Printer File Sharing Protocol for Hierarchical Job Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer communication methods do not effectively provide users with detailed, hierarchical information about print jobs, limiting user understanding of job status and smaller units within the job.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical structure using a file sharing protocol like WebDAV to communicate print job information, where a printer creates job and file directory addresses, allowing users to view print jobs and their components in a structured format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If HTTP protocol is used to communicate print job information, then the printer can provide status information, but the information cannot be displayed in a hierarchical structure that matches the user's understanding of print jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print job information into hierarchical levels: print job as a directory, print pages as subdirectories, and print data as files. This segmentation allows the information processing device to display print job status in a hierarchical structure that matches user expectations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a file sharing protocol (such as SMB or NFS) as an intermediary between the printer and the information processing device. This intermediary enables the printer to present print job information in a hierarchical file system structure, allowing the user's OS to naturally display and manage print jobs without requiring custom HTTP-based interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If print job information is provided at the print job level only, then the communication is simple, but the user cannot easily manage individual pages or smaller units within the print job
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the print job into manageable units: pages are segmented as subdirectories, and print data as files. This allows users to selectively manage individual pages or the entire print job, providing adaptability without excessive complexity since the hierarchy mirrors the natural structure of print operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where print jobs contain pages, which contain print data. This nesting approach allows users to access and manage information at any level of the hierarchy, enhancing versatility while maintaining a clear, intuitive structure that does not unnecessarily increase device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a hierarchical structure is implemented using file sharing protocol, then the user can easily recognize and manage print jobs, but the printer must create and maintain directory and file addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the printer automatically create and manage the hierarchical directory and file structure without user intervention. The printer autonomously generates job directories, page subdirectories, and data files, then makes them accessible through the file sharing protocol, eliminating the need for users to manually manage addresses while keeping the system simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer may be connected with an information processing device in a communicable manner. The printer includes a first command receiving device, a job directory creating device, a storage device, and an address sending device. The first command receiving device receives a job creating command including first print data. The first print data includes a plurality of second print data. The job directory creating device creates a job directory address in the case where the job creating command is received by the first command receiving device, and creates a file address for each of the plurality of second print data included in the first print data. Each of the created file addresses includes the created job directory address as its superior address. The storage device stores the job directory address and the file addresses created by the job directory creating device. The address sending device is capable of sending the job directory address and the file addresses stored in the storage device to the information processing device by using a file sharing protocol.