Embedded DFE Preview via Client Offloaded Thumbnails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Embedded digital front ends (DFEs) for printing devices lack the processing power and memory to generate print job previews, limiting their job management capabilities compared to server DFEs.
Innovation Solution
The system offloads the task of generating graphic files, or thumbnails, to client devices, which then submit these files to the embedded DFE for display in a user interface, allowing operators to manage and prioritize print jobs visually without requiring high-performance hardware in the DFE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If embedded DFE uses low cost processors with limited memory, then device cost is reduced, but the ability to generate previews for all print jobs is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the preview generation task between client devices and the embedded DFE. Client devices generate the graphic files (thumbnails) for print jobs, while the embedded DFE stores and displays these previews. This segmentation allows the embedded DFE to provide preview functionality without requiring high-performance processing capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between low cost and preview generation capability.
2Device complexity
If embedded DFE has limited processing power, then device complexity is reduced, but job management functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The client device acts as an intermediary that performs the computationally intensive task of generating graphic files for print jobs. The embedded DFE receives these pre-generated graphic files and uses them to provide enhanced job management functionality through the user interface. This intermediary approach allows the embedded DFE to offer sophisticated job management capabilities without requiring high processing power, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An embedded digital front end (DFE) of a printing device receives print jobs of documents from client devices. The print jobs are placed in a job queue within the DFE. Along with a received print job, the DFE also receives a graphic file corresponding to the print job. The graphic file is stored in a data storage on the DFE. The DFE provides the graphic file to a user interface connected to the DFE, to represent the print job. The user interface allows modifications be made to the job queue using the graphic files for the print jobs. Further, a client device connects to the user interface to modify the print order within the job queue.