Scanner Controller Automatic Data Routing for Printer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer multifunction systems require complex user operations to determine the data output destination between a printer and a host computer, leading to inefficient data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A printer multifunction system that includes a determination unit to automatically decide the data transmission destination based on the printer's state, scanner settings, and memory storage conditions, using a control unit to manage data transmission between the scanner, printer, and computer, allowing for seamless printing operations without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user manually selects and sets the data output destination among the printer and host computer, then the data transmission destination can be determined, but the operation becomes complicated and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the scanner to automatically determine the data transmission destination based on its own memory state and printer status, without requiring user intervention. The scanner's determination unit autonomously decides whether to transmit data to the printer or host computer based on real-time system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the scanner continuously monitors its own memory usage and the printer's operational state, using this information to dynamically adjust data transmission decisions. The determination unit receives status information from both the scanner and printer to make informed destination selection.
2Productivity
If the scanner transmits large amounts of data directly to the printer, then printing can be executed, but memory overflow may occur causing image quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The host computer serves as an intermediary between the scanner and printer. When the scanner's memory is insufficient to hold the entire data set, the determination unit transfers data to the host computer's storage, which then acts as a buffer and relay point to the printer, preventing memory overflow and image quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit performs preliminary assessment of the scanner's memory capacity relative to the data size before initiating transmission. If memory is insufficient, the system proactively transfers data to the host computer in advance, preventing the memory overflow condition before it occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer multifunction system includes a printer having a printer controller and a scanner having a scanner controller and a memory configured to store data obtained by reading a print original by a sensor. The printer and the scanner are connected to a network to which a computer is connected, wherein the scanner controller determines whether to transmit the data stored in the memory to the printer or the computer, based on at least one of a state of the printer, a reading setting of the scanner, and a state of the memory, and causes the scanner to transmit the data stored in the memory to a destination determined by the scanner controller. The printer controller receives the data from the scanner in a case where the data is transmitted to the printer, and receives the data from the computer in a case where the data is transmitted to the computer from the scanner, and the printer controller causes the printer to execute a printing operation, based on the data.