Image Forming Apparatus USB IPP Web Server Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses require additional processing units to interpret HTTP data input from USB, as they typically only accept input from TCP/IP, limiting the implementation of IPP over USB.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus connected via USB, equipped with a transmission/reception unit, a Web server, and a communication unit that transfers data received via USB to the Web server for processing, enabling IPP over USB functionality without the need for a new processing unit to interpret HTTP data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional Web server that only accepts TCP/IP input is used, then the existing Web server can process network requests, but it cannot interpret HTTP data input from USB

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUSB input capabilityVSAvoidprocessing unit requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The existing Web server is made multi-functional by enabling it to accept and process HTTP data from both traditional TCP/IP network connections and USB connections. The transfer unit acts as an adapter that allows the Web server to handle USB input without requiring a separate processing unit, thus achieving universality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer unit serves as an intermediary component that bridges the USB interface and the Web server. It receives HTTP data from the USB transmission/reception unit and forwards it to the Web server, allowing the Web server to process USB input without directly interfacing with USB hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a new processing unit is added to interpret USB HTTP data, then USB input capability is achieved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIPP over USB functionalityVSAvoidhardware configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing Web server processes USB HTTP data itself without requiring a dedicated new processing unit. The transfer unit simply redirects the USB data to the Web server, which then handles the interpretation and processing using its existing capabilities, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If USB data is directly processed without transfer to Web server, then processing speed may be faster, but the existing Web server cannot be utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidWeb server utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The USB data processing path is merged with the existing Web server processing path. The transfer unit combines USB data reception with Web server processing, allowing the same Web server infrastructure to handle both network and USB requests, thereby utilizing existing resources efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Web server is made multi-functional to handle both TCP/IP and USB inputs, consolidating processing capabilities into a single unit that can serve multiple input sources, improving resource utilization without sacrificing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10511738B2Image forming apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2019.12.17 CANON KK

AI summary

An image processing apparatus receives print data via a USB interface, receives print data via a network interface, processes an HTTP protocol, receives print data via the USB interface, and controls a printer to perform print processing. When the first print data is not based on IPP, the first print data is transmitted to a print processing module, and when the second print data is based on IPP via a network interface, the second print data is transmitted to a Web server module. When the third print data is based on IPP via the USB interface, the third print data is transmitted to a TCP/IP processing module and transmitted to a Web server module, and when the Web server module receives the second or third print data from the TCP/IP processing module, it transmits the second or third print data to the print processing module.