Image Forming Apparatus Missing Resource Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large image forming apparatus or multi-function printer environments, when a print job includes a resource call-out for graphics, logos, or fonts, the printer may not have the resource stored, leading to the need for an efficient method to search and retrieve the resource from within a local area network, wide area network, or the cloud.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forwarding a print job with a resource call-out from a host computer to an image forming apparatus, checking for the resource, and if unavailable, sending a request to devices within the network or cloud to obtain the resource, including handling secured resources by providing user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the image forming apparatus stores resources locally in its hard disk, then resource access speed and printing efficiency are improved, but the system cannot retrieve resources when they are not available locally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network resource search mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the local hard disk and remote resources. When a resource is not found locally, the system searches the network for the resource, obtaining it from remote devices if available. This intermediary search process resolves the contradiction by maintaining local storage benefits while adding network-based resource retrieval capability.
2Productivity
If the image forming apparatus substitutes missing resources with similar or default resources, then printing operations can continue without interruption, but resource accuracy and print quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary resource search action before printing. Instead of immediately substituting missing resources, the system first searches the network to determine if the exact resource is available remotely. Only if the search fails does the system proceed to substitution. This preliminary search resolves the contradiction by prioritizing resource accuracy while maintaining printing continuity as a fallback.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus searches for resources across the network, then resource availability is improved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource retrieval process into distinct stages: first checking local hard disk storage, then searching the network if not found locally. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the complex network search operation as a secondary fallback mechanism, rather than always-executing complexity. The system maintains simplicity for common cases while adding versatility when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus searches for resources across the network, then resource availability is improved, but processing time and network bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resource retrieval process into distinct stages: first checking local hard disk storage, then searching the network if not found locally. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the complex network search operation as a secondary fallback mechanism, rather than always-executing complexity. The system maintains simplicity for common cases while adding versatility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary search depth. The system first checks local storage (partial search), and only if that fails does it expand to network search (excessive action). This graduated approach resolves the contradiction by minimizing network operations to only when absolutely necessary, reducing time loss while maintaining resource availability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of searching for missing resources associated with an image forming apparatus, which includes forwarding a print job having a resource call-out from a host computer to an image forming apparatus; receiving the print job on the image forming apparatus; checking the image forming apparatus for a resource, which has been called out by the print job, and if the resource is not available on the image forming apparatus, obtaining the resource from a device having the resource by: sending a request for the resource from the image forming apparatus to the device having the resource; receiving a response from the device having the resource indicating that the resource is a secured resource requiring user authentication; and obtaining the secured resource by sending the user authentication to the device having the secured resource.