Box Print Without HDD via Network Storage Separation
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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 a network-connected image forming apparatus with a memory device, a printing unit, and a control unit configured to store and transmit information processing apparatus identifiers, allowing print job data to be received and printed from a network-connected information processing apparatus with an auxiliary storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an auxiliary storage device (HDD) is installed to enable box print function, then the box print functionality is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the auxiliary storage device (HDD) from the image forming apparatus, eliminating the need for local storage while maintaining box print functionality. The storage function is separated and relocated to the information processing apparatus, allowing the printer to operate without an HDD while still supporting box print through network-based data retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user's computer and the storage device for box print data. The auxiliary storage device in the information processing apparatus is used not only for general computing purposes but also specifically for storing print job data that the image forming apparatus can access and print
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory capacity is increased to support box print without HDD, then the box print functionality is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network serves as an intermediary between the information processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus. Instead of requiring large local memory in the printer, the network enables data transmission from the information processing apparatus's auxiliary storage device to the printer's smaller memory, allowing box print functionality without increasing the printer's memory capacity
3Quantity of substance
If an auxiliary storage device is installed, then data storage capacity is improved, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus uses its own auxiliary storage device to store box print data, eliminating the need for the image forming apparatus to have separate storage capacity. The printer leverages the existing storage resources of the connected computer, allowing the printer to be manufactured without an expensive HDD while still supporting box print
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 20 and an information processing apparatus 10 coupled to the network 30. The image forming apparatus 10 stores, in a memory device, an information processing apparatus identifier that is assigned to the button and transmits, to the information processing apparatus 10, 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 10 via the network 30. The image forming apparatus 20 also prints, on a sheet, an image based on print job data that is received from the information processing apparatus 10 via the network 30, if, in the information processing apparatus 10, 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 10.