Print Data Preconversion for Image-Forming Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hold printing systems fail to efficiently convert print data into formats compatible with the target image forming apparatus, leading to increased processing time when the initial conversion does not match the apparatus capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a server and image forming apparatuses, where the server converts print data into multiple formats based on device information and holds the converted data for printing by compatible apparatuses, ensuring compatibility and reducing processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If print data is converted in advance into a data format determined based on user attribute information, then processing time is reduced, but the converted format may not be compatible with the actual image forming apparatus requiring reconversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting print data into multiple data formats in advance before the actual printing request. The server stores these pre-converted formats and selects the appropriate one based on the capabilities of the requested image forming apparatus, avoiding the need for reconversion and ensuring format compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data format by converting the same print data into multiple different formats simultaneously. The server maintains these various formats and selects the most suitable one based on the device information and capabilities of the target image forming apparatus, thus resolving the contradiction between processing time and format compatibility.
2Reliability
If multiple data formats are converted and stored in advance, then format compatibility is ensured, but storage requirements and conversion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional conversion system that can handle multiple data formats. The server is designed to convert print data into various formats and store them, making the system universally compatible with different image forming apparatus capabilities while managing the complexity through a unified approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs the complex conversion work in advance and stores the results. When a printing request comes in, the server simply selects from the pre-converted formats based on device capabilities, significantly reducing the complexity of real-time conversion while ensuring format compatibility.
3Productivity
If data is converted based on user attribute information, then processing speed is improved, but adaptability to different image forming apparatus capabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data format based on both user attribute information and image forming apparatus capabilities. The server converts data into multiple formats and selects the most appropriate one by comparing device information with format requirements, thus maintaining high processing speed while ensuring adaptability to different apparatus capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from device information to select the appropriate pre-converted format. The server receives capability information from the image forming apparatus and uses this feedback to choose the most suitable format from the pre-converted options, balancing processing speed with apparatus adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A server includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain, from an information processing apparatus, data to be printed, an identifying unit configured to identify one or more formats based on device information of the one or more image forming apparatuses, a converting unit configured to convert the data into the one or more formats, and a holding unit configured to hold the data converted into the one or more formats,. At least one image forming apparatus of the one or more image forming apparatuses includes a receiving unit configured to receive, from the server, the data of at least one format from among the data of the one or more formats held by the server, and a printing unit configured to print the received data.