MFP Print Job Reservation Time Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-function printers (MFPs), reserved printing can lead to resource exhaustion of the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) due to unexecuted print jobs designated for remote future times, as existing solutions are difficult to implement universally across all print applications and may be affected by time discrepancies between the printer and personal computer.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a print job storage unit, a print reservation time storage unit, and a print reservation time determination unit that cancels print jobs if the reservation time is not within a predetermined range, ensuring that print jobs are executed within a set higher limit time to prevent resource exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reserved printing is allowed without time limits, then user convenience is improved, but HDD resource exhaustion occurs due to accumulation of print jobs designated for remote future times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a time limit parameter (higher limit time) for reserved printing. The system determines whether the difference between the print reservation time and current time exceeds the predetermined higher limit time, and cancels reservations that exceed this threshold. This parameter-based control prevents unlimited accumulation of print jobs while maintaining user convenience for reasonable reservations.
2Reliability
If a higher limit time is set in the PC print application, then future resource exhaustion is prevented, but implementation is difficult across all print applications including third-party applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the image forming apparatus (MFP) as an intermediary to enforce the time limit policy. Instead of requiring each PC print application to implement its own higher limit time setting, the MFP receives the print reservation time from any application and independently determines whether it exceeds the predetermined higher limit time. This intermediary approach ensures universal implementation across all print applications while maintaining reliable resource exhaustion prevention.
3Ease of operation
If print jobs are reserved for remote future times, then user scheduling flexibility is improved, but time discrepancies between PC and MFP internal clocks may cause incorrect reservation handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the PC transmit the print reservation time to the MFP in advance, before the actual printing occurs. The MFP then uses this pre-transmitted reservation time to determine whether the job exceeds the higher limit time threshold. This preliminary transmission and determination approach allows the system to handle time discrepancies between PC and MFP internal clocks, as the reservation time is established and validated before execution.
Data Source
AI summary
In a reserved printing, when an MFP receives print jobs, print jobs having their print reservation times within a predetermined time range with reference to the times of receipts are retained within the MFP. On the other hand, print jobs having their print reservation times not within the predetermined time range are not retained within the MFP and are cancelled.