USB Interface Preceding Command for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses take time to recognize and execute printing preparation operations due to the processing time required for analyzing Printer Job Language (PJL) commands.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus includes a USB interface to receive preceding commands described in accordance with a control transfer protocol, allowing for quicker recognition and execution of preparation operations compared to PJL commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a preceding command is described in Printer Job Language (PJL), then the command can be transmitted to instruct preparation operations, but it takes time for the image forming apparatus to recognize and execute the command due to analysis processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirst print timeVSAvoidcommand processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of command format from PJL (Printer Job Language) to a simplified custom command format. This parameter change reduces the data size and processing complexity of the preceding command, enabling faster recognition and execution by the image forming apparatus controller, thereby reducing the first print time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the image forming apparatus waits for print data before starting preparation operations, then processing can be simplified, but the first print time increases due to delayed heater activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidwait time for preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by enabling the image forming apparatus to execute preparation operations (such as heater activation) in advance upon receiving a preceding command, before the actual print data is transmitted. This allows the apparatus to be ready for printing immediately when print data arrives, significantly reducing the first print time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If a custom command format is used instead of PJL, then command recognition and execution speed improves, but compatibility with standard printing protocols may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand processing speedVSAvoidprotocol compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the command transmission process into two parts: a preceding command transmitted via USB control transfer protocol for fast preparation operations, and the subsequent print data transmitted via bulk transfer. This segmentation allows the use of optimized custom command formats for time-critical operations while maintaining standard protocols for data transmission, balancing speed and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12321124B2Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An MFP 1 includes an image forming unit 4 which forms an image on a sheet S1, a USB interface 12 which is to be connected to a PC 101 via a USB and receives a preceding command described in accordance with a control transfer protocol that is a transfer scheme of USB connection, and a CPU 91 which executes a preparation operation of the image forming unit 4, in response to receiving the preceding command by the USB interface 12. The preceding command is described to instruct the preparation operation of the image forming unit 4.