MFP Printing Status Management via File Server Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems lack an efficient method to manage and display the printing status of files stored on a file server, particularly in a networked environment, where it is difficult to determine which files have been printed and which have not, leading to confusion and inefficiency in printing operations.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that receives file identification information from an external apparatus via a network, registers output information, and compares it with received lists to control the display of files to be output, indicating whether they have been printed or not, using a multifunction peripheral (MFP) connected to a file server, thereby enabling users to visually distinguish printed and unprinted files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pull-print function is implemented to print files directly from an image processing apparatus by accessing a file server, then printing operations can be performed without requiring a personal computer, but it becomes difficult to manage and display the printing status of files, leading to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (printing status management function) that mediates between the file server and the user interface. This intermediary maintains a management table storing printing status information for each file, allowing the system to track which files have been printed without requiring the file server itself to have additional functionality. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by adding status tracking capability to the image processing apparatus while keeping the file server unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the printing status information is continuously updated and displayed to users. When a file is printed, the system detects this event, updates the management table with the new status, and refreshes the display to reflect the current state. This feedback loop ensures users have real-time visibility of printing status, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining the convenient pull-print operation.
2Reliability
If printing status management is implemented on the file server, then printing status can be tracked, but it requires additional functionality and complexity on the file server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printing status management functionality from the file server and relocates it to the image processing apparatus. The management table and status tracking logic are implemented locally in the image processing apparatus rather than on the file server. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable printing status management while keeping the file server simple and unchanged, adhering to the principle of taking out unnecessary complexity from the file server.
3Productivity
If all files are displayed without distinction, then the file list is simple to generate, but users cannot easily distinguish between printed and unprinted files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual differentiation to the file list display by using different display characteristics for printed and unprinted files. This may include different icons, highlighting, or visual indicators that allow users to quickly distinguish file status without requiring complex processing. The display is enhanced to provide immediate visual feedback about printing status, resolving the contradiction by maintaining fast file list generation while improving status detectability through visual cues.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes circuitry that receives a list of file identification information from an external apparatus that stores, for one or more files to be output, file identification information for identifying the file to be output connected to the image processing apparatus via a network, registers, in a memory, output information including file identification information of a first file at least one file of the one or more files that has been output, and based on a result of comparing the list of the file identification information that is received with the file identification information included in the output information, controls a display to display a screen for selecting a file to be output, the screen indicating at least one of the first file and a second file, the second file being at least one file of the one or more files that has not been output.