Box Print in Networked Image Formers Without Auxiliary Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inexpensive image forming apparatuses without auxiliary storage devices face challenges in implementing the box print function due to limited memory capacity.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes an image forming apparatus connected to a network with a memory device, a printing unit, and a control unit, which stores and transmits information processing apparatus identifiers and print job data via the network, enabling print operations without an auxiliary storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an inexpensive image forming apparatus is used without an auxiliary storage device, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the box print function cannot be realized due to limited memory capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from local storage (memory device within the image forming apparatus) to network-based storage (auxiliary storage device accessible via network). By moving the storage dimension from the device itself to the network infrastructure, the system enables box print functionality without requiring expensive auxiliary storage hardware in each apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spooler as an intermediary component that mediates between the image forming apparatus and the auxiliary storage device. The spooler manages print job data transmission and storage coordination, enabling the box print function to operate seamlessly across the network without requiring direct storage capabilities in the image forming apparatus.
2Ease of manufacture
If an inexpensive image forming apparatus with small memory capacity is used, then the cost is reduced, but the ability to store and execute box print jobs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The solution shifts storage capacity from the constrained local memory dimension to the expansive network storage dimension. By accessing the auxiliary storage device through the network, the system effectively accesses virtually unlimited storage capacity without increasing the physical memory of the inexpensive image forming apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The image forming apparatus maintains its simple, inexpensive design while the spooler and auxiliary storage device handle the complex tasks of job management and data storage. The apparatus serves itself by leveraging external resources it doesn't need to physically possess, maintaining cost-effectiveness while gaining enhanced functionality.
3Device complexity
If the image forming apparatus has no auxiliary storage device, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the print job data storage and management capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spooler acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the simple image forming apparatus and the network-based auxiliary storage. It handles all data transmission, storage coordination, and job management tasks, ensuring print job data is reliably stored and retrieved without requiring the apparatus itself to have complex storage management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical storage system (auxiliary storage device within the apparatus) with a network-based information system. Data is transmitted and stored electronically across the network rather than being physically stored in local hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining data storage and retrieval capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus coupled to the network. The image forming apparatus stores, in a memory device, an information processing apparatus identifier that is assigned to the button and transmits, to the information processing apparatus, press-down information that includes the information processing apparatus identifier corresponding to the button that is pressed-down, in response to a request for the press-down information that is received from the information processing apparatus via the network The image forming apparatus also prints, on a sheet, an image based on print job data that is received from the information processing apparatus via the network, if, in the information processing apparatus, it is determined that the information processing apparatus identifier in the press-down information matches with the information processing apparatus identifier of the information processing apparatus.