Printing Control Apparatus Automating Result Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators in printing companies face a burden as they need to operate different apparatuses to input print result information after completing printing processing, which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A printing control apparatus that allows operators to easily input print result information by transmitting result information related to the printing apparatus's operation directly to a process management apparatus, reducing the need for manual input on separate systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operators use separate process management apparatus to input print result information, then data can be recorded for statistical analysis, but operator burden increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata recording reliabilityVSAvoidoperator burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the printing control apparatus with process management functionality by enabling the printing control apparatus to directly transmit print result information to the process management apparatus. This integration eliminates the need for operators to manually input data on separate systems, reducing operational burden while maintaining data recording reliability through automated transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing control apparatus performs self-service by automatically transmitting print result information to the process management apparatus without requiring manual intervention from operators. The system uses its own resources to complete the data transmission task, eliminating the need for operators to switch between systems and input data manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If operators manually input print result information on separate systems, then data can be captured, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata capture completenessVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous automated transmission of print result information from the printing control apparatus to the process management apparatus. This continuous action eliminates the intermittent manual input process, ensuring complete data capture while significantly reducing the time operators spend on data entry tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual input process with an automated electronic transmission system. The printing control apparatus automatically transmits print result information through digital communication channels, substituting the manual typing and data entry process with an automated electronic data transfer mechanism that is both faster and more complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate apparatuses are used for printing and process management, then functional separation is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the printing control apparatus multi-functional by enabling it to perform both printing control and process management data transmission functions. This universality allows the system to maintain functional separation between printing and process management while reducing overall system complexity through the use of a single integrated control point for both functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12287994B2Printing control apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium storing program, and printing control method

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A printing control apparatus includes a processor configured to: transmit, when a print instruction is received from an operator, a printing processing command based on a print job to a printing apparatus; receive result information related to a result of an operation of the printing apparatus operating in accordance with the printing processing command from the operator; and transmit the result information to a process management apparatus.