Print Management Apparatus Pre-Adapting Data for Output Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing printing systems, the conversion of print instruction data into a format compatible with the output printer causes delays due to the time required for this conversion process, especially when multiple printers of different vendors or models are involved.
Innovation Solution
A print management apparatus that receives print data and attribute information from a terminal, determines a suitable printer based on setting information, generates print data adapted to the printer before receiving an output instruction, and transmits the appropriate data to the printer, thereby reducing the need for real-time conversion during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If print data is converted to printer-compatible format at the time of output instruction, then data compatibility is ensured, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs data conversion in advance by determining a candidate output printer and converting print data to that printer's compatible format before the actual output instruction is received. This preliminary conversion eliminates the need for time-consuming conversion at the moment of output, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring data compatibility and reducing processing time.
2Productivity
If print data is pre-converted for a specific printer, then output speed is improved, but adaptability to different printers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the candidate output printer based on printer status, user preferences, and job characteristics, and adapts the pre-conversion process accordingly. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for speed when a specific printer is determined, while maintaining the ability to adapt to different printers by re-determining the candidate printer for different output scenarios.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time conversion is performed during printing, then data accuracy is maintained, but print output speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs the data conversion process in advance during the queue management phase, determining the candidate output printer and converting print data to the appropriate format before the actual printing process begins. This preliminary action ensures data accuracy is maintained through proper conversion while eliminating conversion delays during the actual print output, thus resolving the contradiction between data accuracy and print output speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A print management apparatus includes a memory and a processor configured to receive print data and first attribute information of the print data from a terminal, perform a determination of a first printer as an output destination candidate from among a plurality of printers in accordance with setting information and the first attribute information, generate first print data adapted to the first printer based on the print data before an output instruction is received from the first printer, and when the output instruction is received from the first printer, transmit first output data to the first printer based on the first print data, and when an output instruction is received from a second printer, generate second print data adapted to the second printer based on the print data, and transmit second output data to the second printer based on the second print data.