Printing Apparatus Initial Setting Control via Host Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems face issues with unintended operations when a user attempts to set up a printing apparatus, as the same image displayed on both the printing apparatus and the information processing device may not ensure proper operation, leading to potential misconfigurations or errors during initial settings.

Innovation Solution

A printing system where an information processing device and a printing apparatus are communicatively connected, with the information processing device transmitting initial setting information to the printing apparatus in a specific mode, and the printing apparatus receiving and applying this information while prohibiting operations via its own interface during initial settings to prevent unintended actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus allows operations via both its own interface and an information processing device, then the device can be operated flexibly from multiple sources, but unintended operations may occur during initial setting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation flexibilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus dynamically changes its operation mode between a first operation mode (initial setting mode) and a second operation mode (normal mode). In the first mode, only the information processing device can operate the apparatus. In the second mode, both the information processing device and the printing apparatus's own interface can operate it. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the operation flexibility to the specific operational phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by completing the initial setting of the printing apparatus through the information processing device before allowing operations via the printing apparatus's own interface. The prohibition of local operations during initial setting ensures that configuration is completed accurately before the device becomes fully operable, preventing unintended operations during the critical setup phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If the printing apparatus displays the same image on both its display and the information processing device display, then the user can see consistent information, but the user may not be able to properly operate the printing apparatus during initial setting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation consistencyVSAvoidoperation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus dynamically controls the operability of its interface based on the operation mode. During initial setting (first operation mode), the printing apparatus's own interface is prohibited from receiving operations even though the same image is displayed on both devices. This ensures information consistency while preventing operation control issues by making the local interface non-responsive during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing device acts as an intermediary for initial setting operations. Instead of allowing direct operation of the printing apparatus during initial setting, the system routes all initial setting operations through the information processing device, which transmits operations to the printing apparatus. This mediator approach ensures both information consistency and proper operation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the printing apparatus accepts operations during initial setting, then the user can configure the device, but unintended operations may cause misconfigurations or errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires that initial setting be completed through the information processing device before the printing apparatus's own interface becomes operational. This preliminary action sequence ensures that configuration is performed in a controlled manner through the intermediary device, preventing unintended operations that could cause misconfigurations or errors during the critical initial setup phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus dynamically switches between two operation modes: a first mode where only the information processing device can perform initial setting, and a second mode where the printing apparatus's own interface becomes operational. This dynamic control ensures configuration accuracy by restricting operations during initial setting to the more reliable intermediary device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11520545B2Printing system, printing system control method, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program, electronic device system, and printing apparatus for performing initial setting of printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A printing system includes an information processing device and a printing apparatus that is communicably connected to the information processing device, and prohibits a setting operation on the printing apparatus when the setting of the printing apparatus is performed from the information processing device.