Printing System Dual Interface Control for Offline Post-Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional print-on-demand (POD) printing systems face challenges in user interface control, where the first user interface of the printing apparatus cannot instruct post-processes in both in-line and off-line modes effectively, and there is a need for proper control to prevent conflicts between post-processes instructed by the first and second user interfaces, especially when the printing apparatus is unavailable due to power constraints or other issues.

Innovation Solution

A printing system with a first user interface on the printing apparatus that can instruct both in-line and off-line post-processes, and a second user interface on the post-processing apparatus that can independently manage off-line processes, ensuring that post-processes are executed without conflicts, even if the printing apparatus is not operational.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the first user interface of the printing apparatus is used to instruct post-processes in off-line mode, then the printing apparatus can control post-processing, but the system becomes complex and conflicts may occur when the printing apparatus is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to instruct post-processes in both in-line and off-line modesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two distinct user interfaces: the first user interface on the printing apparatus for in-line mode control, and the second user interface on the post-processing apparatus for off-line mode control. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control unit acts as an intermediary between the two user interfaces and the post-processing apparatus. It receives instructions from either interface, determines the appropriate mode (in-line or off-line), and executes the corresponding post-process, thereby managing the complexity of handling multiple control sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the second user interface on the post-processing apparatus is used to instruct off-line post-processes, then operation independence is improved, but control conflicts may arise with the first user interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependence of post-processing operationVSAvoidcontrol conflict prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the operational state of both user interfaces. When the first user interface is unavailable or when off-line mode is detected, the control unit provides feedback to enable the second user interface, ensuring reliable conflict-free operation while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between controlling interfaces based on operational conditions. The control unit detects whether the printing apparatus is available and automatically determines which user interface should be active, providing adaptive reliability while maintaining operational independence when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the printing apparatus is unavailable due to power constraints or troubles, then the post-processing apparatus cannot be controlled via the first user interface, but the system loses flexibility in performing post-processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepost-process execution reliabilityVSAvoidflexibility to perform post-processes independently

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second user interface is pre-configured on the post-processing apparatus specifically for off-line operation. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the printing apparatus becomes unavailable, the post-processing can immediately proceed independently without requiring the first user interface, maintaining both reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8976394B2Printing system and control method using first and second user interfaces

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 CANON KK

AI summary

The present invention provides a printing system provided with a printing apparatus and a post-processing apparatus, and a control method thereof, wherein, when an instruction is given to execute an off-line job in which a post-process by the post-processing apparatus is performed without printing by the printing apparatus (S11), a screen for selecting an off-line job using the post-processing apparatus can be displayed by the second user interface of the post-processing apparatus and the off-line job can be selected (S12), and, in response to an instruction to start the off-line job from the first user interface of the printing apparatus (S16), the off-line process is executed (S17 and S18).