Network Print System Parallel Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud-based print services, particularly those using PDF format, face inefficiencies due to the need to download the entire file before printing can start, leading to prolonged print times and delayed processing when the print device is in an unprintable state or experiences malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A network print system that divides large document data into smaller items, generates a job ticket detailing the structure and order of these items, and allows for parallel transmission and printing, enabling efficient processing even when the print device is not in a ready state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the entire PDF file is downloaded before printing to ensure complete data availability, then printing accuracy is improved, but print time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PDF file into multiple segments (first portion and second portion) with the structure description extracted and placed at the beginning of each segment. This allows the print device to process and print the first portion independently without waiting for the entire file to be downloaded, thereby reducing print time while maintaining printing accuracy through the embedded structure descriptions.
2Reliability
If the print device waits for complete file download before starting printing to ensure data integrity, then printing reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of structure descriptions from the PDF file and embeds them at the beginning of each segment before transmission. This preliminary action enables the print device to start printing the first segment immediately upon receipt without waiting for the complete file download, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reliability through the pre-prepared structure descriptions.
3Speed
If the reception process is given high priority to receive data quickly from the cloud server, then download speed is improved, but the print process is delayed when the device is in an unprintable state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PDF file into multiple portions and transmits them separately. The first portion containing essential structure descriptions is transmitted first, enabling the print device to begin printing immediately upon receipt. Subsequent portions are received and processed in parallel or sequentially without blocking the initial print operation, thereby maintaining download speed while eliminating print delays.
4Productivity
If parallel downloading of divided PDF portions is implemented to reduce download time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that performs the complex task of dividing the PDF file into segments, extracting structure descriptions, and inserting them at the beginning of each segment before transmission. This intermediary approach enables parallel downloading of multiple segments by the print device without requiring the device itself to handle the complex coordination and processing, thereby improving productivity while keeping device complexity low.
Data Source
AI summary
In print systems based on data reception from a server, it takes much time to receive data of a large size. Therefore systems have been developed in which data is divided before being received. However, if divided data items are received by a print device while temperature adjustment or calibration is performed for an engine of the device, the divided data items are not immediately printed, resulting in a long print time. A print device sequentially receives divided data items if the print device is in a printable status. Otherwise, the print device simultaneously receives the divided data items in a plurality of sessions.