Hot Folder Trigger File for Reliable Job Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the print on demand market, hot folder applications face issues with determining if job data is fully copied before sending it to the print control apparatus, leading to incomplete file processing and user operability delays, as existing methods like changing job folder names are inefficient when handling large data sets.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system with a detection unit to identify files in the hot folder, a determination unit to verify the completion of file copying, and a processing unit to send job data only when fully stored, allowing for improved processing efficiency and user operability by avoiding standby times during data copying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hot folder application waits for complete copy operation before proceeding, then file processing reliability is improved, but user operability and processing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a placeholder file (trigger file) in the hot folder before the actual job data copy operation completes. This placeholder allows the hot folder application to detect job arrival and proceed with processing preparation in advance, while the complete file copy continues in the background. This resolves the contradiction by enabling early processing initiation without sacrificing data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a trigger file - that mediates between the file copy operation and the processing initiation. The trigger file serves as a signal that job data is being copied, allowing the system to prepare for processing without waiting for complete file transfer. This intermediary enables asynchronous operation, improving both reliability and user operability simultaneously.
2Productivity
If the hot folder application sends job data immediately upon copy completion, then processing efficiency is improved, but file completeness and processing accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the hot folder application continuously monitors the hot folder for trigger files and checks the completion status of associated file copy operations. This feedback loop allows the system to send job data only when both the trigger file exists and the copy operation is confirmed complete, ensuring processing accuracy while maintaining high efficiency through immediate transmission upon verification.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating the trigger file as a preliminary action before the copy operation completes, the system prepares the processing pipeline in advance. The trigger file acts as an advance notification that enables the system to verify copy completion and initiate processing immediately afterward, maximizing processing efficiency without compromising file integrity.
3Reliability
If the application changes job folder name to signal storage completion, then processing reliability is improved, but operability and processing speed deteriorate due to inability to change name during large data copy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the job folder name change mechanism with an intermediary trigger file approach. Instead of modifying the job folder name (which requires the copy operation to be complete), the system creates a separate trigger file that can be generated immediately when copying starts. This intermediary signal allows the hot folder application to detect job arrival without waiting for copy completion, eliminating unnecessary standby time while maintaining reliable detection through the trigger file's presence and associated metadata.
Data Source
AI summary
A first information processing apparatus inputs job data and a corresponding file associated with the job data to a hot folder of a second information processing apparatus. When the second information processing apparatus detects the corresponding file input to the hot folder, it determines whether the job data has been copied in the hot folder. If it is determined that the job data has been copied in the hot folder, the job data is processed.