Direct USB Print from Storage Device on Multifunction Copier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing devices require a computer to be connected for printing, faxing, or emailing from a USB data storage device, leading to document queues and uncertainty in print timing due to the need for network communication.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction digital copier system that allows direct data acceptance from a removable storage device for printing, copying, faxing, or emailing, enabling users to select processing options through a display console without requiring a network connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a computer is required to mediate between the USB storage device and the printing device, then data transfer and processing can be performed, but the system complexity increases and document queue management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computer mediation function from the printing system. The multifunction peripheral device directly accesses the USB storage device without requiring a computer to mediate the data transfer. This eliminates the intermediate step of transferring files to a computer first, then to the printer, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct communication interface as an intermediary between the USB storage device and the multifunction peripheral. This interface enables direct data exchange without requiring a computer's file system or operating system to mediate the transfer, simplifying the overall system architecture while preserving user-friendly operation.
2Productivity
If multiple users share a printer through network communication, then resource utilization improves, but document queue management becomes complex and print timing becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the USB storage device to directly interface with the multifunction peripheral, allowing each user to independently manage their own document processing. Users can insert their USB device directly into the peripheral and immediately print, fax, or email their documents without waiting for network queue processing. This self-service approach eliminates print timing uncertainty while maintaining resource utilization through direct device access.
3Speed
If direct access to USB storage device is enabled without network connection, then printing speed and user control improve, but the device must handle additional processing functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multifunction peripheral device that can perform printing, faxing, and emailing operations directly from USB storage devices. By consolidating multiple functions into a single device, the system achieves fast printing speeds through direct USB access while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the USB storage interface, document processing capabilities, and output functions (printing, faxing, emailing) into a single integrated system. This combination allows the device to handle direct USB access and multiple processing functions without proportionally increasing complexity, as all functions share common hardware and control resources.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a system and interface wherein a multifuntion copier, equipped with a Universal Serial Bus port, accepts data directly from a USB-Data Storage Device (USB-DSD) for the purpose of printing, e-mailing, and faxing. The system contains a copier containing a computer-controller having at least one USB port interface. The controller has a service that can either be enabled or disabled by a system administrator. The service is capable of performing email, printing and facsimile fuctions. When a user inserts a USB-DSD into the USB port on the controller, the service presents the user with the three options stated above. Once the utility, which scans the USB-DSD and displays the supported files found on the DSD. Each desired funtion will have multiple options for a user to choose. For example, when the printing option is selected, the service will present to the user on the display choices such as duplex, portrit/landscape, multipage, number of prints and the like.