Print Job Routing via Dynamic Apparatus Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face challenges in efficiently routing print jobs to the most capable image forming apparatus, leading to delayed print output when the selected apparatus is slow or overloaded, making it difficult for users to obtain printed materials promptly.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system that includes a terminal device, a management apparatus, and multiple image forming apparatuses, where the management apparatus determines the fastest available image forming apparatus based on printing ability and transfers the print job to that apparatus, utilizing a 'PPM-Based Printing' function to ensure timely completion of print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If print jobs are transmitted to image forming apparatuses based on traditional routing methods, then the system maintains simplicity in job distribution, but the printing completion time increases due to selecting slow or overloaded apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus collects printing ability information from each image forming apparatus and uses this feedback to dynamically determine the most suitable transfer destination. The system continuously monitors apparatus status and adjusts job routing decisions based on real-time or near-real-time capability data, ensuring optimal selection without requiring complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Each image forming apparatus autonomously reports its printing ability information (such as current workload, processing speed, and availability) to the management apparatus. This self-reporting mechanism enables the system to make informed routing decisions without requiring manual assessment or complex external monitoring infrastructure.
2Productivity
If the system selects image forming apparatuses based on comprehensive printing ability assessment, then the printing speed and efficiency improve, but the complexity of evaluating and comparing apparatus capabilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates image forming apparatuses based on specific measurable parameters such as current workload, processing speed, and availability status. By converting complex printing ability assessments into quantifiable parameters, the management apparatus can objectively compare different apparatuses and select the optimal transfer destination using standardized metrics.
3Ease of operation
If print jobs are routed to the fastest available apparatus, then user convenience and output speed improve, but the system requires sophisticated monitoring and decision-making mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus serves as an intermediary between the terminal device and multiple image forming apparatuses. It automatically performs the complex task of selecting the optimal transfer destination based on printing ability information, shielding users from the complexity of apparatus comparison and routing decisions while delivering optimal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming system includes a terminal device, a management apparatus, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The terminal device includes a first controller that generates a print job, and transmits the print job to the management apparatus. The management apparatus includes a storage queue, and a second controller that stores the print job in the storage queue upon receipt thereof, determines one of the image forming apparatuses that completes a printing operation based on the print job most rapidly, as transfer destination, on a basis of printing ability of each of the image forming apparatuses, and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus determined as the transfer destination. The image forming apparatuses each include an image forming device, and a third controller that causes the image forming device to execute the printing operation based on the print job, upon receipt thereof.