Printer Control Unit for Job Data Storage Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective control processing on previously executed printing in systems where a printer executes printing based on jobs received from a server system, as existing systems face challenges in managing and re-executing print jobs efficiently, particularly in preventing unnecessary storage of job data and managing reprinting requests.
Innovation Solution
The printing system includes a server system and a printer with a reception unit for receiving print jobs, a first printing unit for executing printing, an acceptance unit for re-execution instructions, a second printing unit for reprinting, and a control unit that prevents re-execution of previously printed jobs by managing job data storage and deletion, ensuring that job data is not stored after printing and allowing for efficient reprinting without regenerating job data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printer stores job data after printing to enable reprinting, then reprinting functionality is improved, but server resource load increases and unnecessary storage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the job data storage function from the printer and relocates it to the server system. The printer only stores minimal reprinting control information (such as reprinting permission flags or counters), while the actual job data remains on the server. This resolves the contradiction by enabling reprinting functionality without the printer needing to store large amounts of job data, thus reducing server resource load and unnecessary storage at the printer side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a reprinting control unit that manages reprinting permissions and coordinates between the printer and server. This intermediary handles the reprinting logic by communicating with the server to retrieve job data when needed, rather than requiring the printer to permanently store all job data. This mediator enables versatile reprinting while minimizing data storage requirements.
2Productivity
If the printer deletes job data after printing to free resources, then resource efficiency is improved, but reprinting capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reprinting functionality into two parts: the printer stores only essential control information (such as reprinting permission flags, counters, or identifiers), while the actual job data is segmented and stored on the server. This segmentation allows the printer to delete large job data after initial printing (improving resource efficiency) while retaining minimal information needed to request reprints from the server, thus maintaining reprinting capability without resource burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the printer store reprinting control information in advance of actual reprinting requests. This control information (such as permission flags or job identifiers) is saved immediately after the original printing, enabling the printer to efficiently handle reprint requests later by simply retrieving the necessary data from the server using this pre-stored information, rather than needing to retain all original job data.
3Manufacturing precision
If the server transmits job data for every reprint request, then reprinting accuracy is improved, but communication load and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the server prepare and store job data in advance, and having the printer pre-validate reprinting permissions before actual reprinting occurs. The server can pre-process reprint requests by verifying permissions and preparing data packets, so that when reprinting is actually requested, the data transmission is minimized and optimized. This ensures reprinting accuracy through pre-validation while reducing communication time through efficient data preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transmitting only essential reprinting control information and identifiers from the printer to the server, rather than transmitting complete job data back and forth. The server maintains copies of the original job data and uses these copies to fulfill reprint requests efficiently. This copying approach ensures accurate reproduction of the original print job while minimizing communication overhead and time.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit is provided that is configured to execute predetermined control processing to prevent printing previously executed by a first printing unit from being executed by a second printing unit, the printing being based on at least one of one or more print jobs received from a server system.