Printer Event Notification Switching Between Push and Pull Methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cloud printing services face challenges in event notification methods, particularly with the push method requiring a persistent network connection, which is prohibited in certain user network environments to prevent unauthorized access or external attacks, limiting the use of cloud printing services for printing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that dynamically switches between pull and push methods for event notifications based on user settings, allowing flexible usage depending on the operation environment by setting communication preferences and managing subscriptions to adapt to network conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the push method is used for event notification, then the printing apparatus can receive event notifications promptly without time lag, but a persistent network connection is required which is prohibited in certain user network environments to prevent unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between push and pull methods based on network environment conditions. When a persistent connection is permitted, the push method is used for immediate notification. When prohibited, the system transitions to the pull method, adapting the connection strategy to the security requirements of the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification method parameter is changed based on network environment assessment. The system monitors whether persistent connections are permitted and adjusts the event notification approach accordingly, switching from push (requiring persistent connection) to pull (using periodic connections) to resolve the contradiction between speed and security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pull method is used for event notification, then network connection security is improved by avoiding persistent connections, but event notifications are received with time lag as the apparatus must periodically request events
Solution Approach 1:
When the pull method is selected due to security constraints, the system implements periodic event acquisition requests at specified intervals. This periodic action balances security requirements with the need to receive timely notifications, as the apparatus checks for events regularly without maintaining a persistent connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the polling interval and notification strategy based on the selected method. When operating in pull mode for security, it optimizes the polling frequency to minimize time lag while maintaining security constraints, allowing flexible adaptation to different security-performance trade-off requirements.
3Productivity
If the push method is used, then cloud printing service functionality is fully utilized with real-time event notification, but device complexity increases due to the need to maintain network connections and manage subscriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and separates the connection management complexity from the notification functionality. By offering two distinct methods (push and pull), the system allows users to select the appropriate level of complexity based on their needs, extracting the complex subscription management only when the push method is selected and desired.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring all systems to implement complex push notification infrastructure, the system inverts the approach by making pull method the simpler default option and push method the enhanced but more complex option. This allows systems with limited capabilities to use the simpler pull method while still providing access to the more efficient push method when capabilities permit.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus operations include setting a setting value for communication with a server based on a user operation and receiving an event notification in either one of a server push method and a pull method based on the setting value. In the server push method, the event notification is received from the server via a communication session established and being kept between the image forming apparatus and the server, and in the pull method an event acquisition request is transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the server and the event notification is received as a response to the event acquisition request. In a case where the event notification indicating the occurrence of a print job is received, the print job is acquired, and in a case where the server push method is rejected by the server, the event notification is received in the pull method.