Hot Folder File Relocation for Print Job Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In image formation apparatuses, files stored in hot folders can be accessed by external users for an extended period, leading to longer processing times for generating print jobs when multiple files are present, as existing technologies do not effectively limit access to these files until print execution.

Innovation Solution

The image formation apparatus employs a folder management system that detects file reception in hot folders and immediately moves files to private, externally inaccessible folders, generating print job lists and jobs based on print settings, thereby reducing external access and processing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If files are stored in hot folders that are accessible by external users, then file sharing capability is improved, but processing time for generating print jobs increases when multiple files are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile sharing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time for generating print jobs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting file storage in the hot folder and immediately moving the file to a private folder before print job generation begins. This preliminary file relocation eliminates the time-consuming process of managing multiple accessible files during print job creation, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining file sharing capability and reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If files remain in hot folders for extended periods, then external users can access and manipulate files, but the risk of unauthorized access and system conflicts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal file accessVSAvoidsystem security and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the file from the hot folder environment and places it in a private folder that is not accessible by external users. This extraction action maintains the benefit of initial file sharing while eliminating the security risks associated with leaving files accessible in the hot folder during processing, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If multiple files are processed in hot folders simultaneously, then throughput is improved, but access control and processing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefile processing throughputVSAvoidaccess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by moving each file to a private folder before processing begins. This approach maintains high throughput by quickly relocating files while simplifying access control, since the private folder automatically prevents external access without requiring complex permission management during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3702900B1Image formation apparatus, control method therefor, and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 CANON KK
  • EP3702900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702900B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702900B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A print setting corresponding to a folder referable by an external apparatus is stored in an image formation apparatus, storage of a file in the folder is detected, the detected file is moved to another folder, and a print job is generated based on the moved file and information about the print setting corresponding to the detected folder.