Print Control Apparatus Synchronous Shutdown Hard Disk Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional print control systems face issues with synchronous remote end processing of print control apparatuses and image forming apparatuses, leading to potential hard disk failures and improper power supply state management due to asynchronous power-offs.

Innovation Solution

A print control apparatus and printing system that enables synchronous remote end processing by using a dedicated transmission path and network interface to ensure reliable power supply state notifications are transferred between the print control apparatus and the data processing apparatus, even when instructed remotely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the image forming apparatus powers off the print control apparatus in a synchronous manner without checking the state of the print control apparatus, then the shutdown process is completed efficiently, but the print control apparatus may still be accessing a hard disk which can cause a failure of the hard disk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshutdown speedVSAvoidhard disk reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The print control apparatus performs preliminary actions by checking the hard disk access state before executing shutdown processing. The CPU determines whether the hard disk is being accessed by another apparatus (specifically the image forming apparatus) before proceeding with power supply termination, preventing hard disk failure caused by asynchronous shutdown.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a data processing apparatus issues a remote end instruction to power off the print control apparatus, then the remote shutdown is achieved, but the instruction can only power off the print control apparatus failing to simultaneously power off the image forming apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote shutdown capabilityVSAvoidpower supply state management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the print control apparatus receives power supply state notifications from the image forming apparatus and transfers these notifications to the data processing apparatus via the network. This allows the data processing apparatus to monitor and manage the power supply states of both devices, enabling proper coordination during remote shutdown operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If the print control apparatus transfers power supply state notifications from the image forming apparatus to the network, then the data processing apparatus can monitor system state, but the print control apparatus may not be able to receive or transfer the notification when powered off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply state notificationVSAvoidnotification transfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The print control apparatus serves as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the data processing apparatus. It receives power supply state notifications from the image forming apparatus through a dedicated transmission path and transfers them to the data processing apparatus via the network, ensuring reliable notification transfer even when the print control apparatus is powered off by maintaining the notification buffer and transferring it when available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11403051B2Print control apparatus, printing system, method for controlling print control apparatus, and storage medium to send a shutdown instruction from an information processing apparatus to a printer from a print control apparatus, and the print control apparatus executing shutdown processing after receiving a power supply state notification from a printer, sending the power supply notification to the information processing apparatus and receiving a shutdown notification from the printer

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 CANON KK

AI summary

The present invention relates to a print control apparatus that is connected to a data processing apparatus through a first communication unit and connected to an image forming apparatus through a second communication unit.