Image Forming Apparatus Service State Controller for Print Job Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud print systems, there is a convenience issue due to time differences between when a user initiates a print operation and when they collect prints, leading to potential mixing of prints from multiple users and inefficiencies, especially when the client terminal is far from the printer.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a print job addition notification reception controller, a print job reception controller, and a service state controller that allows users to manually acquire print jobs from the server at desired times, even without initial notifications, enabling printing based on user operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printer automatically acquires print jobs from the server via print job addition notifications, then printing efficiency is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to potential print mixing and lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two service states: automatic service (where the printer receives print job addition notifications and automatically acquires print jobs) and manual service (where the printer requires user initiation to acquire print jobs). This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt to different user needs and situations, resolving the contradiction between printing efficiency and user convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the printer is located far from the client terminal, then device placement flexibility is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to time differences and print mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary between the client terminal and the printer, storing print jobs and managing the acquisition process. This intermediary role allows the printer to be located anywhere with network connectivity while maintaining user convenience, as users can initiate print job acquisition from the server regardless of the printer's physical location.
3Speed
If the printer continuously monitors for print job addition notifications, then response speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously monitoring for print job addition notifications, the system uses periodic action where the printer checks for notifications only when transitioning to or during automatic service state. This periodic checking approach maintains response speed when needed while reducing energy consumption during manual service state or when no notifications are expected.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a print job addition notification reception controller that receives from outside a print job addition notification that indicates a print job is added to a server, a print job reception controller that acquires the print job from the server, a print controller that performs printing based on the print job acquired from the server, and a service state controller that sets a service state to be any one of a service enabled state, in which the print job addition notification is received and the print job is acquired from the server, and a service stopped state, in which the print job addition notification is not received and the print job is acquired from the server based on an operation of a user.