Printing System Access Information Segmentation for Network Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems face challenges in accessing print job data from a terminal device due to network configuration and access information issues, leading to difficulties in printing when the child printer cannot connect directly to the terminal device.

Innovation Solution

The printing system includes a terminal device that generates print job data and transmits it to a first printing apparatus, which then forwards access information to a second printing apparatus. The second printing apparatus selects the most suitable access information to request the print job data from the terminal device, ensuring it can access and receive the data even if the child printer is not on the same network as the terminal device and the first printing apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the second printing apparatus uses a single access information to request print job data from the terminal device, then the request process is simple, but the access may fail due to network configuration issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess reliabilityVSAvoidaccess information management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device segments access information into multiple pieces (e.g., different IP addresses, port combinations) and provides them to the printing apparatus. This segmentation allows the printing apparatus to try different access methods independently, improving reliability without requiring complex centralized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus dynamically selects from multiple access information pieces based on actual connection status. The system adapts by trying different access methods (e.g., switching from direct IP to alternative IP, or different ports) when initial access fails, making the access process flexible rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the terminal device transmits multiple pieces of access information to the first printing apparatus, then the second printing apparatus has more options to access the terminal device, but the data transmission volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess success rateVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary access information (IP addresses and port numbers) from the terminal device and transmits it to the printing apparatus. This extraction provides multiple access options while keeping the transmitted data volume minimal, as only essential connection parameters are shared rather than complete network configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Speed

If the second printing apparatus attempts to access the terminal device directly without using the first printing apparatus as an intermediary, then the access speed may be faster, but the access may fail due to network configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidaccess success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first printing apparatus acts as an intermediary that receives print job data from the terminal device and forwards it to the second printing apparatus. This intermediary role allows the second printing apparatus to access data even when direct terminal access fails, while the terminal device still transmits data directly when possible, maintaining speed when reliability permits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the printing system requires direct network connection between the second printing apparatus and the terminal device, then the network configuration is simple, but the system cannot operate when direct connection is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidaccess information handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device is designed to provide multiple types of access information (different IP addresses, port numbers) that can work across various network configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different network topologies (direct connection, indirect connection, different networks) without requiring complex configuration changes, as the same terminal device can serve multiple access scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11204724B2Printing system, printing system control method, printing apparatus, terminal device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program for controlling access to print job data accessible from the terminal device

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing system includes a terminal device that generates print job data, and a child printer that is configured to communicate with a parent printer that receives the print job data from the terminal device, where the child printer is configured to perform printing based on the print job data. The terminal device stores the generated print job data and transmits, to the parent printer, print job related data including the stored print job data and a plurality of pieces of access information for accessing the terminal device. The child printer requests a transmission of the print job data from the terminal device based on the plurality of pieces of access information included in the print job related data received by the parent printer.