Printer Communication Continuity for Cloud Print Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud printing systems, the delay in starting print jobs due to extensive data conversion processing by image processing servers leads to user wait times, as printers cannot begin printing until all print data is converted, and communication disconnections occur if conversion takes time.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that receives print data and starts communication with the printing unit upon receiving part of the data, ensuring continuous communication until all data is received and transmitted, allowing for quick first print without disconnecting the communication session.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printer waits for all print data to be converted by the image processing server before starting printing, then the complete print job can be processed, but the user wait time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The printer initiates communication and starts receiving print data from the image processing server before the entire conversion process is complete. By establishing the communication connection in advance and beginning to receive data as it becomes available, the system enables printing to start sooner while still ensuring the complete job is processed.
2Loss of time
If the printer starts printing as soon as some print data is received, then quick first print is achieved, but the communication connection may disconnect before all data is received
Solution Approach 1:
The communication connection between the printer and the image processing server is maintained continuously throughout the entire data reception process, even after printing starts. This continuous connection ensures that all print data can be received and processed without disconnection, while still allowing the printer to begin printing as soon as initial data is available.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the communication session is disconnected after receiving initial print data, then resources are freed, but the printer cannot receive the remainder of the print data
Solution Approach 1:
The communication session remains open and active throughout the entire print data reception process, allowing the printer to continuously receive data from the image processing server without interruption. This continuous communication ensures complete data reception while the printer processes and outputs pages as they become available.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a printing unit connectable to a print server system with a print service providing print data. The image forming apparatus includes a reception unit that receives a URL from the print service in response to receipt of a print instruction, the URL indicating a location where the print data is stored and receives the print data based on the received URL, and a transmission unit that transmits the received print data to the printing unit. The transmission unit starts communication with the printing unit in response to receipt of partial print data, does not disconnect communication with the printing unit before receipt of a remainder of the print data finishes, and disconnects communication with the printing unit in response to completion of transmission of all of the print data.