Printer Interface Transfer Time Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users without a PC face complexity in transferring image data from a digital camera to a printer, and existing solutions fail to provide adequate information for selecting the appropriate external interface based on transfer speed, leading to inefficient usage of image data storage devices.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device and system that acquire data size and calculate transfer completion time based on the data size and transfer speed via external interfaces, enabling users to select the most suitable interface and manage device usage effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple external interfaces are provided for direct connection between digital camera and printer, then connectivity options are increased, but user ability to select appropriate interface is reduced due to lack of transfer speed information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity optionsVSAvoidinterface selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of transfer completion time for each external interface before the user initiates data transfer. By acquiring data size information in advance and calculating expected transfer times based on interface characteristics, the system prepares selection information proactively, allowing users to make informed decisions without complex comparisons during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes information between the multiple external interfaces and the user. It acquires data size, calculates transfer completion times for each interface type, and presents this processed information to assist user decision-making, thereby mediating the complexity of interface selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If transfer completion time is calculated without considering external interface type, then calculation process is simplified, but accuracy of transfer time information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation processVSAvoidtransfer time accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different transfer speed characteristics to different external interface types. By recognizing the specific interface type (USB, IEEE1394, wireless, etc.) and assigning appropriate transfer speeds to each, the calculation achieves local accuracy tailored to each interface's actual performance characteristics while maintaining a unified calculation framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If image data storage device remains connected until printing completion, then data transfer reliability is ensured, but device reuse time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoiddevice reuse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates and displays transfer completion time in advance before the actual transfer begins. Users can see the expected duration and plan accordingly, knowing when the device will be available for reuse. This preliminary information allows users to make informed decisions about device usage scheduling without compromising transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7869070B2Image forming device, image forming system, image forming method, image forming control program, and computer readable recording medium in which image forming control program is recorded

Publication Date: 2011.01.11 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC

AI summary

A printer, as an image forming device, acquires data size of image data to be printed from the data storage device, and calculates the transfer completion time required for transferring the image data to be printed according to the acquired data size of the image data to be printed and a speed of transferring data via an external interface to be used.