Print Data Synchronization for Faster Remote Image Formation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation methods require users to manually select whether to transmit image data to a server or a local image forming apparatus each time printing is needed, leading to inefficiency and inconvenience, especially when direct connection is not possible.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that automatically manages and updates image data, storing it locally and on a server, and controls transmission to an image forming apparatus based on user settings, ensuring seamless printing without manual selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data is transmitted to a server for image formation, then image formation can be performed even when direct connection to the image forming apparatus is not possible, but the image formation process takes a long time due to downloading the file from the server
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing image data in advance in multiple locations (server and local storage). When a printing instruction is received, the system checks whether the image data is already stored in the information processing apparatus, eliminating the need for real-time downloading from the server and thus reducing image formation time while maintaining availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually select whether to transmit image data to a server or to a local image forming apparatus each time printing is needed, then the system can adapt to different situations, but the operation becomes troublesome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the transmission destination for image data. The control unit checks whether image data is already stored in the information processing apparatus and automatically selects the appropriate destination (local apparatus or server) without requiring user intervention. This maintains adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If image data is stored both on the server and locally in the information processing apparatus, then image formation speed is improved, but the system complexity increases due to managing multiple storage locations and updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to manage data synchronization between the server and local storage. When image data is updated on the server, the system detects the update (through notification or periodic checking) and automatically updates the local copy. This feedback loop maintains data consistency across multiple storage locations, enabling fast local image formation while managing the complexity of multi-location storage through automated synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: when receiving an instruction for image formation of a printing target file issued to an image forming apparatus, transmit image data generated based on the printing target file and processing information to a server, the processing information including access information regarding access to the information processing apparatus and information for forming an image represented by the image data, and store the image data into the information processing apparatus; when the printing target file is updated, perform at least one of processing for providing a notification of the update in the printing target file and processing for updating the image data transmitted to the server and the image data stored in the information processing apparatus to image data generated based on the updated printing target file; and perform control for transmitting the image data to the image forming apparatus in response to a request from the image forming apparatus for transmission of the image data.