Print Job Resumption Using Unprinted Page Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formation systems using Ethernet cables experience frequent communication errors due to noise and static electricity, leading to interrupted printing and inefficient restart processes.
Innovation Solution
The system stores information on unprinted pages during a communication error and resumes printing after restart by sending this information to the image forming apparatus, allowing seamless continuation of the print job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Ethernet cable is used for data communication between digital front end and image forming apparatus, then input performance of image data and versatility are improved, but communication errors occur frequently due to noise and static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The digital front end stores information about unprinted pages in advance before a communication error occurs. When a communication error happens and printing is suspended, this pre-stored information enables the system to resume printing from the interruption point without restarting the entire print job, thus maintaining high productivity while compensating for communication reliability issues.
2Reliability
If communication error occurs during printing and image forming apparatus is restarted, then communication connection is restored, but printing process is interrupted and user time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary storage of unprinted page information in the digital front end before communication errors occur. This advance preparation allows the image forming apparatus to resume printing immediately after restart by receiving the stored information, eliminating the need to reprint already printed pages and minimizing user time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the digital front end tracks which pages have been printed and which remain unprinted. After a communication error and restart, this feedback information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus to guide the resumption of printing, ensuring that only unprinted pages are processed and preventing redundant printing operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional error notification function is used to notify user of communication error, then user is informed of the error, but printing cannot be automatically resumed and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the digital front end automatically stores unprinted page information and the image forming apparatus automatically resumes printing after a communication error without requiring user intervention. The error notification function informs the user of the error condition, but the actual resumption process is handled automatically by the system, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation system includes a digital front end and an image forming apparatus. When communication is interrupted due to a communication error during sending of image data from the digital front end to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus does printing halfway in accordance with already received part of the image data. The digital front end stores information on pages of the image data left unprinted by the image forming apparatus and, after restart of the digital front end and the image forming apparatus, sends the information on the pages left unprinted to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus resumes the printing in accordance with the information on the pages left unprinted.