Image Forming Apparatus Hot Folder Print Order Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming systems using in-device hot folders lack the ability to ensure that multiple print files are printed in the intended order, as the order of printing is dependent on the client apparatus system behavior, leading to potential misordering and increased user workload in rearranging printed materials.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that includes a memory device with print setting information and a processor to transmit screen information for designating print files, allowing simultaneous designation of multiple files and determining their transfer order, ensuring they are printed in the intended order based on associated print setting information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a program constantly monitors the hot folder to detect print target files, then the hot folder function can be realized with simple operation, but the printing order cannot be controlled and depends on client apparatus system behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a program to the client apparatus in advance that enables the user to specify the printing order when designating multiple print target files. This program is prepared beforehand and executed when the user performs the print operation, allowing the printing order to be determined before the actual printing process begins, thus ensuring reliable order control while maintaining simple hot folder operation.
2Productivity
If multiple files are put into the hot folder at once, then batch printing is enabled, but the files cannot be printed in the intended order due to client apparatus file system behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling the user to specify the printing order in advance when designating multiple files for batch printing. The program allows the user to arrange files in the desired sequence before the printing operation starts, ensuring that even when multiple files are processed together, they are printed in the intended order with high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by displaying the designated print target files and their specified order on a screen to allow the user to confirm the arrangement. This visual feedback mechanism enables the user to verify that files are in the correct printing order before execution, and to make adjustments if necessary, thereby ensuring printing order accuracy in batch operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the printing order depends on client apparatus system behavior, then system compatibility is maintained, but user workload increases due to need to manually rearrange printed matter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the user to specify the printing order in advance through the program before printing begins. This eliminates the need for manual rearrangement of printed matter after printing, as the correct order is established beforehand. The solution maintains system compatibility while preventing time loss by addressing the ordering issue proactively rather than requiring post-printing correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an information processing apparatus that requests access to a file system managed by an image forming apparatus, receives a program for determining a transfer order of a plurality of print files designated by a screen and, in a case where a plurality of print files are stored in the folder via the displayed screen, executes the received program to determine a transfer order of the plurality of print files. The image forming apparatus, when the request is accepted, generates the program in accordance with a predetermined condition designated in advance by a user, and transmits the screen information and the generated program to the information processing apparatus, and executes image formation, which is based on a print file transferred in association with the folder and uses the print setting information, in an order in which the print file is transferred.