Dynamic Value Management in JMF Messages for Image Forming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication control methods in image forming systems cannot dynamically add or switch dynamic values, such as job IDs, in JMF messages without requiring software corrections in the image forming apparatus, leading to potential application hang-ups and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The method specifies applications based on print jobs, manages rules for dynamic values, and performs operations associated with these values, allowing for rapid and easy switching of dynamic values in JMF messages without modifying the image forming apparatus's software. This involves using application specification tables, static tables, and dynamic tables to process and transmit messages correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic values are added to JMF messages to enable per-job customization, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases and software corrections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (print job management unit) that mediates between the application and the image forming apparatus. This intermediary handles the dynamic value addition to JMF messages, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different applications without requiring internal software modifications. The intermediary acts as a buffer that manages the complexity externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic value addition where JMF messages can be customized per print job based on application-specific requirements. The system dynamically adjusts message content by adding relevant values (such as job IDs, application identifiers) rather than using static fixed formats, enabling flexibility without hardcoding for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software in the image forming apparatus is corrected to support dynamic values, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required software maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dynamic value management functionality from the core image forming apparatus software and places it in an external intermediary component. This separation allows the apparatus to maintain its original simple, stable software while the intermediary handles all dynamic value additions and application-specific customizations, eliminating the need for software corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary component automatically performs the necessary JMF message modifications and dynamic value additions without requiring manual software intervention. The system self-adjusts to different applications by automatically adding appropriate values to messages, eliminating the need for operators to correct or maintain apparatus software.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific JDF analysis data is stored in a server, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time occurs due to data retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by having the intermediary component prepare and add dynamic values to JMF messages before transmitting them to the image forming apparatus. This preliminary action ensures that when the apparatus receives the messages, all necessary dynamic values are already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming data retrieval operations during actual print processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication control method in an image forming system according to the present invention includes a step (a) of specifying an application based on the description of a print job or the like transmitted from any of applications to an image forming apparatus, a step (b) of managing the rules of describing the print job for dynamic value including any values assigned per print job, which are added to the print job, per application together with operations associated with the dynamic values, and a step (c) of recognizing the dynamic value by analyzing the print job according to the rules managed in the step (b) for the application specified in the step (a) for the print job, and performing the operations associated with the dynamic value for the dynamic value.