Server Automatic Print Data Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing systems require users to manually specify print jobs on printing apparatuses, leading to an operational burden, especially in systems where printing apparatuses have smaller operation screens compared to PCs.

Innovation Solution

A server apparatus that stores print target data and information indicating whether the data has been printed, and a processor that determines if there is unprinted data and transmits it to the printing apparatus for automatic printing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually specify print jobs on printing apparatuses, then printing can be performed, but operational burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational burdenVSAvoidautomatic printing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus automatically acquires print target data from the server without requiring user intervention to specify jobs. The system serves itself by autonomously checking for available print data and initiating printing operations, thereby reducing operational burden while increasing automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server stores print target data in advance, and the printing apparatus automatically retrieves and prepares this pre-stored data for printing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually specify jobs at the time of printing, reducing operational steps while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If printing apparatuses have smaller operation screens compared to PCs, then device size is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidoperation screen size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The printing apparatus autonomously performs job specification by automatically acquiring print target data from the server, eliminating the need for users to interact with the small operation screen for job selection. This self-service approach compensates for the limited screen size by removing the interaction requirement entirely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary between the printing apparatus and the user, handling the complex task of job specification and data management. This mediator approach allows the printing apparatus to have a simple, small operation screen while still providing comprehensive printing functionality through automated server communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12210787B2Server apparatus that determines if print data has not been printed and transmits unprinted print data to the printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 CANON KK

AI summary

A server apparatus includes a storage medium configured to store print target data and information indicating whether the print target data has been printed and a processor configured to determine, based on the stored information, whether there is print target data that has not been printed by a printing apparatus and transmit the print target data to the printing apparatus, in a case that it is determined that there is the print target data that has not been printed by the printing apparatus.