Image Data Marking for Printer Search Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized data management systems face increased search load as data volume grows, making it inefficient for printers to search for data when requested.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an image data management apparatus with a marking section to designate data for printing, a designating information providing section, a searching section, and a search result sending section, forming a virtual sub-network with image forming apparatuses to lighten the search load by marking data for external printers and allowing user authentication and data selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the server centrally manages all data and sends data in response to printer commands, then data management is simplified, but the search load on the server increases with larger data volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data management system by introducing an intermediate storage device that separates the server's data management function from the printer's search function. The server only manages data storage while the intermediate device handles search operations, dividing the system into specialized components that reduce overall complexity and improve search efficiency independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate storage device as a mediator between the server and the printer. This intermediary device receives search requests from printers, performs the actual search operations on stored data, and returns results to printers, thereby relieving the server from search loads while maintaining centralized data management.
2Reliability
If the server stores all data including data not requested by printers, then data management is centralized, but the search operation becomes heavier with larger data volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the intermediate storage device to maintain a local copy or index of data that is frequently accessed by printers. This allows the intermediate device to perform searches locally without querying the entire server database, reducing search time while the server maintains reliable centralized storage for all data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the intermediate storage device pre-process and index data before printer requests arrive. By organizing and indexing data in advance, the intermediate device can perform rapid searches when printers request data, reducing search time without compromising the server's reliable centralized data management.
3Ease of operation
If the server performs all search operations for external printers, then data access is controlled, but the search load increases with larger data volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the intermediate storage device as a mediator that handles search operations while the server maintains data access control policies. The intermediate device receives authenticated requests from printers, performs searches, and returns results, thereby preserving controlled data access while improving search processing capacity by distributing the search load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the intermediate storage device to autonomously perform search operations without requiring the server to process each search request. The intermediate device serves itself by maintaining local data structures and performing searches independently, freeing the server from search processing while maintaining controlled access through authentication mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An image data management apparatus which provides a pull-print mark for a file which is expected to be printed at an externally connected image forming apparatus, that is, to be subjected to pull-printing. It is possible to provide the pull-print mark for a plural number of files. When a user commands pull-printing of such a file at an externally connected image forming apparatus, a search is made within the files provided with the pull-print mark. Thereby, the load on the image data management apparatus for searching the file is light. In order to permit a user to command pull-printing at a printer with a simple user interface, simple authentication codes may be used.