Print Control Device Port Detection and Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print control systems face issues with resource utilization due to long-term retention of print data when communication with the printer is not established, particularly when the wrong port is set, leading to accumulation of stored data.
Innovation Solution
A print control device and method that includes a creation unit for generating print data, an output unit for sending data to a designated port, a determination unit to identify non-connected ports, and a display unit to prompt users for port switching or data deletion when a non-connected port is detected, preventing data accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If print data is stored in the print control device when the printer port is not connected, then the print data can be output sequentially when connection is established, but the usable areas of resources are limited and print data accumulates indefinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing print data in advance when the printer is not connected, and then executes the print job sequentially when connection is established. This ensures reliable print job completion while managing the timing of data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of port connection status to determine whether to store print data or output it. When the port is not connected, print data is stored; when connected, it is output. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between ensuring print job completion and preventing data accumulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wrong port is set, then the connection to the printing device cannot be established, but the stored print data keeps increasing
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by detecting whether the designated port is connected to a printing device and notifying the user accordingly. When a wrong port is set and no printer is connected, the system displays a notification screen informing the user of the connection status, enabling them to correct the port setting and prevent further data accumulation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If print data is retained long-term in the print control device, then it can be output later, but resource utilization is reduced and system performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary storage of print data only when necessary (when printer is not connected), rather than retaining it long-term. Once the printer is connected or a predetermined period elapses, the data is output or deleted, thus maintaining short-term retention for reliability while preserving long-term resource utilization for productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards print data after it has been successfully output to the printer or after a predetermined period has elapsed. This prevents long-term retention that would degrade system performance, while still allowing temporary storage needed for reliable print job completion when the printer is unavailable.
Data Source
AI summary
A print control device includes: a creation unit that creates print data; an output unit that outputs the print data created by the creation unit to a printing device through a designated port; a determination unit that determines whether or not the print data is to be output to a non-connected port that is a port not connected to the printing device; and a display unit which, when the determination unit determines that the print data has been output to the non-connected port, displays at least one of a first operation screen that is an operation screen for instructing port switching and a second operation screen that is an operation screen for instructing deletion of the print data.