Print Preview Generation via Server-Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems using the 'pull print' function, there is a delay in displaying preview images due to the need for the image forming apparatus to download print data from a server, which increases the server's load and reduces user identifiability of print data.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that communicates with an external apparatus, obtains identification information and image data for a subgroup of pages, generates preview images for other pages, and displays them, allowing the server to focus on transmitting preview images while the image forming apparatus handles additional pages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the image forming apparatus downloads all print data from the server to generate preview images, then the preview images can be displayed, but the server load increases and display delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the preview image generation task into segments: the server generates and transmits only a portion of preview images (e.g., first N pages), while the image forming apparatus generates the remaining preview images locally after receiving the print data. This segmentation reduces the server's workload and transmission data volume, thereby decreasing display delay while ensuring complete preview coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs preliminary action by generating and transmitting at least a portion of the preview images before the image forming apparatus receives the print data. This preliminary generation of partial previews allows the apparatus to immediately display available previews upon receiving print data, reducing the overall delay compared to waiting for complete preview generation.
2Loss of information
If the server generates all preview images, then complete preview coverage is achieved, but the server load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the preview image generation responsibility between the server and the image forming apparatus. The server is responsible for generating and transmitting a portion of the preview images (e.g., first N pages), while the image forming apparatus generates the remaining preview images locally. This division reduces the server's computational load and memory usage while ensuring complete preview coverage through local generation of additional previews.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the task of generating certain preview images from the server and assigns it to the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the apparatus receives print data from the server and then generates preview images for pages beyond the initially transmitted portion, thereby reducing the server's workload while maintaining complete preview availability.
3Power
If the image forming apparatus generates all preview images locally, then server load is reduced, but initial display delay increases due to data download
Solution Approach 1:
The server performs preliminary action by generating and transmitting a portion of the preview images (e.g., first N pages) before the image forming apparatus receives the print data. This allows the apparatus to immediately display the transmitted previews upon receiving print data, reducing the initial display delay. The apparatus then generates additional preview images in the background without blocking the initial display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the preview generation timeline into two phases: (1) server generates and transmits initial preview images before data transfer completes, and (2) apparatus generates remaining preview images locally after receiving print data. This temporal segmentation reduces initial display delay while distributing the generation load to reduce server resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A print data storage apparatus generates preview images for several pages in advance. A print output apparatus displays an outline of print data using the preview images to prompt a user to select print data. When the user requests further information of the print data, the print output apparatus obtains print data from the print data storage apparatus and further generates a preview image.