Print Data Storage Control for Repeated Printing Requests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in reducing printing time and storage capacity due to the need for repeated data format conversions and complex user operations when reusing print data, and they fail to effectively determine which data to store for repeated printing requests.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a development section, storage section, and control section to evaluate the likelihood of repeated printing requests and automatically store and reuse print data by associating it with identification information, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval based on shared access and distribution patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If all print data is stored to enable repeated printing, then printing time is reduced, but storage capacity is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs preliminary evaluation to determine which document data is likely to be printed repeatedly before storing the print data. By assessing distribution patterns and access frequencies in advance, the system stores only necessary print data, avoiding unnecessary storage consumption while ensuring quick retrieval when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of storage selection from static (storing all or nothing) to dynamic (selective storage based on evaluation criteria). The control section adjusts storage decisions based on document distribution patterns, access frequencies, and predicted reprint likelihood, optimizing the balance between printing time and storage capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If user input operation is required to determine print data storage, then storage decisions can be customized, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control section automatically performs evaluation and makes storage decisions without requiring user input. The system self-services by monitoring document distribution, analyzing access patterns, and autonomously determining which print data should be stored for repeated printing, thereby maintaining flexibility while eliminating operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control section continuously monitors printing requests and document access patterns, using this feedback to dynamically adjust storage decisions. The system learns from actual usage patterns and refines its evaluation criteria, providing adaptive storage management without user intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If document data is converted to PDL data and then to image data for each printing, then data accuracy is maintained, but printing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming data conversion process in advance by storing the converted print data before it is needed. The control section converts document data to PDL and then to image data during the evaluation phase, so that when repeated printing is requested, the conversion has already been completed and the image data can be immediately used.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of repeatedly converting the original document data, the system creates and stores a copy of the converted print data in the storage section. This copied image data can be directly used for repeated printing operations, eliminating the need for repeated conversions while maintaining data accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In the image forming apparatus, when the document data is developed to generate the print data in order to print out by the document data, the possibility of repeated requests to print out by the document data is determined by whether or not the document data is stored in the shared directory, or whether or not the document data is attached to the electronic mail distributed to a plurality of people. If the need of storing the document data has been determined, the document data is stored in the image forming apparatus. Upon receipt of a request to print out by the same document data as this document data, the stored print data is used for printing.