Processing-Independent Tablet Interface for Printers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern multi-function printing devices face challenges in user-friendliness due to the burden on the printer processor, which handles both user interface tasks and physical operations, limiting the ability to constantly improve the user experience, especially for legacy equipment.

Innovation Solution

A processing-independent tablet interface device connected to the printer processor and power supply, featuring its own processor, memory, and input/output connections, allowing it to operate independently and share processing resources, enabling updates and enhanced functionalities like speech communication, gesture recognition, and NFC pairing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the printer processor handles both user interface tasks and physical operations, then the device can operate with a single processor, but the processing burden increases and user experience improvements are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessor configurationVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent processing units: the printer processor that handles physical printing operations and the tablet interface device that handles user interface tasks. This segmentation allows each processor to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall system performance and user experience without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface processing functions are extracted from the printer processor and placed in a separate tablet interface device. This extraction relieves the printer processor of UI processing burdens, allowing it to focus solely on printing operations, while the tablet handles all user interaction tasks independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the printer processor handles all processing tasks, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to constantly improve user experience is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing architectureVSAvoiduser experience improvement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tablet interface device provides a dynamic, upgradable user interface that can be constantly improved without affecting the printer processor or physical printing capabilities. The tablet can receive software updates, new applications, and feature enhancements independently, allowing the system to adapt to changing user needs while maintaining stable printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the processing architecture into two independent processors, the system enables independent evolution of the user interface. The tablet interface can be updated and enhanced continuously while the printer processor maintains its printing functions, increasing the system's adaptability without complicating the overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a separate tablet interface device is added, then user experience and functionality are enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tablet interface device is designed as a universal interface that can control multiple functions of the printing device through a single unified interface. It provides multi-functionality by handling document scanning, printing control, copying, and various other operations through one touchscreen device, reducing the need for multiple separate control interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tablet interface device acts as an intermediary between the user and the printing device. It provides a user-friendly interface that communicates with the printer processor through standardized protocols, abstracting the complexity of the printing system from the user while maintaining simple device structure at the physical level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If the tablet interface device operates independently, then processing resources are optimized, but additional connections and power supply are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tablet interface device combines multiple functions (display, touch input, processing, communication) into a single integrated unit that connects to the printing device through consolidated interfaces. This merging reduces the number of separate connections and power supply requirements compared to having separate controls for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11269564B1Processing-independent tablet interface for printing devices

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 XEROX CORP

AI summary

Printing devices include a printer power supply, a printer processor connected to the printer power supply, printing components connected to the printer power supply and the printer processor, and a tablet interface device connected to the printer processor and the printer power supply. The tablet interface device includes a tablet processor, a USB connection electrically connected to the tablet processor and the printer power supply, and a touchscreen surface electrically connected to the tablet processor. The tablet processor is adapted to operate independently of the printer processor.