Printing Apparatus Template Data Association and Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatus require users to input the same print data multiple times for different templates, leading to increased operational complexity and the risk of errors due to repeated input of partially different content.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus that allows users to select a template, incorporate print data into a print object, and automatically associate and incorporate this data into other templates that satisfy a predetermined association rule, such as matching object names, reducing the need for repeated data input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user inputs print data for each template separately, then the printing apparatus can accommodate different templates, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemplate compatibilityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus is designed to handle multiple templates through a unified data management system. The controller automatically manages print data across different templates, allowing a single input to serve multiple template requirements. This multi-functional approach enables the system to accommodate various templates without requiring separate data input for each, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining template compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus performs self-service by automatically determining which print data to use for each template based on pre-stored associations. The controller automatically matches templates with their corresponding print data without requiring user intervention or manual selection. This automation reduces the operational burden on users while ensuring correct data allocation across different templates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the user re-inputs the same print data for multiple templates, then the printing apparatus can ensure data accuracy, but the operation burden on the user increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidoperation burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus performs preliminary action by pre-establishing associations between templates and print data in the controller before actual printing occurs. This pre-configuration allows the system to automatically retrieve the correct print data when a template is selected, eliminating the need for users to re-input data while ensuring accuracy through pre-validated data storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printing apparatus uses copying by storing print data in the controller and automatically retrieving it for use with different templates. Instead of requiring users to manually re-input data, the system copies the appropriate pre-stored data to the relevant template context, maintaining data accuracy while significantly reducing the operation burden on users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If the printing apparatus stores multiple templates, then the system becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemplate storage capacityVSAvoidstorage and control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus applies segmentation by organizing templates and their associated print data into distinct, manageable units within the controller. Each template is stored as a separate entity with its own data associations, allowing the system to handle multiple templates through structured organization. This segmentation approach enables versatile template storage while maintaining clear control and reducing overall system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11875076B2Printing apparatus that performs printing by selecting, from plurality of templates stored in advance, a template to allocate a print data object

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

Printing apparatus includes a controller configured to execute a first selection reception process of receiving selection of a first template, a first print data acquisition process of acquiring first print data, a first incorporation process of incorporating the first print data into a first print object of the first template, a first printing process of generating a first printed matter by the first template, a second selection reception process of receiving selection of a second template, an association determination process of determining whether a second print object satisfy a predetermined association rule with respect to the first print object, a second incorporation process of, when it is determined that the second print object satisfy the predetermined association rule, incorporating the first print data into the second print object of the second template, and a second printing process of generating a corresponding second printed matter by the second template.