Print Server Cluster Status Sharing for Seamless Job Takeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cluster printing environments, existing systems face challenges in minimizing print job takeover time and preventing double printing when a print server or printer fails, leading to temporary stops and potential re-printing of completed pages.
Innovation Solution
A method where a print job is submitted to at least two print servers, with status information on completed pages shared between them, allowing seamless takeover by the secondary server in case of failure, enabling it to skip completed pages and continue printing from unprinted ones without generating new jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If another print server takes over the print job from the failed print server, then printing continuity is maintained, but double printing may occur if the original print job is re-executed from the beginning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the secondary print server acquire status information about completed pages before taking over the print job. This allows the secondary server to know which pages have already been printed and skip them, preventing double printing while maintaining printing continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the primary print server continuously provides status information about print job progression to the secondary print server. This feedback loop enables the secondary server to track which pages have been completed and adjust its printing actions accordingly, avoiding redundant printing.
2Productivity
If the print job is taken over by another print server, then printing can continue without stopping, but time is lost in determining which pages have been printed and configuring the takeover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces takeover time by having the secondary print server acquire status information in advance and maintain readiness to take over. The system prepares the takeover configuration beforehand, so when a failure occurs, the transition is rapid and minimizes printing interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the print job in a ready state on the secondary print server, with status information continuously updated. This allows the secondary server to immediately resume printing without reconfiguration delays, keeping the printing process continuously active.
3Adaptability or versatility
If status information is shared between multiple print servers, then seamless takeover is enabled, but system complexity increases due to information management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the primary print server acts as the main information holder and provider of status information. The secondary print server receives this information through controlled interfaces, simplifying the information management architecture compared to a fully distributed system where all servers must directly exchange information.
Data Source
AI summary
A print job is submitted from a client terminal 100 to two print servers 200−1, 200−2, a print server taking main charge 200−1 instructs a printer 300 to print one page at a time in sequence, and status information indicating the printing state is shared by the two print servers 200−1, 200−2. If a failure occurs in the print server taking main charge 200−1, then, on the basis of the status information shared by the two print servers 200−1, 200−2, a print server taking sub charge 200−2 instructs the printer 300 to print in accordance with the submitted print job from the unprinted page. This makes it possible to immediately continue the print from the page indicated to be completely printed when the failure occurred.