Print Server Job Splitting for Ordered MFP Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing print systems, when multiple Multi Function Peripherals (MFPs) share a large print job, there is a time lag between the completion of print sections executed on different MFPs, leading to unordered output of printed sheets.

Innovation Solution

A print system where a print server receives and splits print jobs based on user identification information, detects the progress status of print jobs across MFPs, and splits jobs in progress into preceding and following sections to synchronize execution across multiple MFPs, ensuring timely completion and ordered output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a print job is split and executed across multiple MFPs, then the printing speed and productivity are improved, but the sheets are output in random order and time lag occurs between completion of sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting speedVSAvoidoutput order

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a large print job into multiple sections and distributes them to different MFPs for parallel processing. Each MFP executes a specific section of the print job, allowing simultaneous printing across multiple devices to improve overall productivity while maintaining the ability to manage output order through section tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server device receives completion notices from MFPs and uses this information to determine when all sections are finished. This feedback loop enables the server to coordinate the reassembly of printed sections in the correct order, resolving the output order problem while maintaining parallel processing benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the server device successively transmits multiple sections to multiple MFPs, then the print job is distributed for parallel execution, but a time lag occurs between completion of sections on different MFPs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel processing capabilityVSAvoidtime lag between completion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns section identifiers and tracks completion status of each section before the entire print job is fully executed. By preparing the coordination framework in advance and monitoring section completion proactively, the server can immediately initiate the reassembly process as soon as all sections are complete, minimizing the time lag between parallel execution and final output consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9311035B2Print system, print server, print control method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium encoded with print control program

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A print system includes a print server and a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The print server externally receives a print job, extracts a print job that includes user identification information included in a download request received from any of the image forming apparatuses, transmits the print job to an image forming apparatus that transmits the download request, detects a progress status of the print job executed by a first image forming apparatus that receives the print job, detects the print job transmitted to the first image forming apparatus as a job in progress in response to reception of a download request from a second image forming apparatus, splits the job in progress into a first split job and a second split job, transmits the second split job to the second image forming apparatus, and transmits an end command to the first image forming apparatus.