Print Queue Non-Print Job Status Update via Dummy Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-print jobs remain in a non-completed state in the print queue due to lack of end-of-processing information transmission, requiring manual intervention to update their status.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus determines if a job is a non-print job and transmits dummy data to the printing apparatus, receiving end-of-processing information to update the job's status from a non-completed to a completed state in the print queue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the information processing apparatus does not transmit print data for non-print jobs to the printing apparatus, then storage space and transmission bandwidth are saved, but the management information of the non-print job remains in a non-completed state in the print queue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission volumeVSAvoidjob completion status information

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dummy data as an intermediary element that enables communication between the information processing apparatus and printing apparatus for non-print jobs. The dummy data serves as a placeholder that allows the printing apparatus to process and return end-of-processing information without requiring actual print data transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between saving data transmission volume and maintaining job completion status information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the printing apparatus does not receive non-print jobs, then processing load is reduced, but end-of-processing information cannot be transmitted to update the print queue status

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidautomatic job status update

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dummy data as a copy or placeholder representation of actual print data. This copying approach allows the printing apparatus to go through the standard receiving and processing workflow without handling real print data, enabling automatic status updates while keeping the actual processing load minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If manual intervention is required to change non-print job status, then system automation is reduced, but the print queue management becomes more controllable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic status updateVSAvoidjob management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to serve itself by automatically transmitting dummy data and receiving end-of-processing information for non-print jobs. This self-service mechanism allows the print queue management system to automatically update job statuses without requiring manual user intervention, thereby increasing automation while maintaining manageable complexity through the use of a standardized dummy data protocol.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8804174B2Information processing apparatus for managing a non-print job in a print queue, recording medium, and control method

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 CANON KK

AI summary

When a job is a non-print job, an information processing apparatus writes dummy data to a printing apparatus during job-end processing. Alternatively, when print data is not written to the printing apparatus during the job-end processing, the information processing apparatus directly instructs a print queue to hide the management information of a non-print job.