Multi-function Device Saved Job Execution via Application Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face the inconvenience of needing to bring their computing device and re-create print jobs when accessing multi-function devices (MFDs) at different locations, as there is no existing method to execute saved jobs from one MFD on a remotely located MFD without additional devices or reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to save jobs on a local MFD, store them in a network or cloud, and access and execute them on remotely located MFDs through an application server, which authenticates users, sets parameters based on metadata, and automatically configures the remotely located MFD to execute the saved job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user brings their computing device to a second location to connect to a remotely located MFD, then the user can print the image at the second location, but the user must carry additional devices and re-establish connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the print job data and stores it in a database associated with the user's profile. This allows the user to access the same print job from any MFD without needing to physically transport the original computing device or re-create the job. The job data is copied from the source MFD to the database, and then retrieved from the database when printing at a remote location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal system where print jobs created on any MFD can be accessed and printed on any other MFD within the network. The database serves as a universal storage location that decouples the job data from any specific device, allowing the same job to be executed across multiple different MFDs without requiring device-specific configurations or connections.
2Productivity
If a user manually re-creates print jobs on a remotely located MFD, then the user can print at the second location, but the user must spend time re-configuring settings and parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically storing all print job parameters, settings, and configuration data in the database when the job is first created. When the user wants to print at a remote location, the system automatically retrieves these pre-stored parameters and applies them without requiring the user to re-configure anything. This preliminary storage of configuration data eliminates the time-consuming re-setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing the retrieval and application of print job parameters from the database. Instead of requiring the user to manually re-input settings, the system autonomously fetches the stored configuration data and applies it to the remote MFD, significantly reducing the time and effort required to print at different locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a system stores saved jobs in a database accessible by multiple MFDs, then users can access jobs from any location, but the system requires network infrastructure and database management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary component that sits between multiple MFDs and user profiles. This database mediator stores and manages all print job data, allowing any MFD to retrieve and execute jobs without direct peer-to-peer connections. The database absorbs the complexity of data management, while the MFDs themselves remain relatively simple devices that only need to interact with the database through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for executing a saved job from a remotely located multi-function device (MFD) is disclosed. For example, the method is executed by a processor and includes authenticating a user, accessing a saved job from an application server, wherein the saved job was created from a local MFD, setting a plurality of parameters on the remotely located MFD based on metadata obtained from the saved job, and executing the saved job on the remotely located MFD.