Network Printer Image Storage for Reprint Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network printers do not efficiently utilize previous print images for reprinting tasks, especially when the object is printed with a different name, leading to increased reprint time.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system that includes a storage unit for past printing information and an execution unit that uses pre-existing images for reprinting when the printing instructions are identical, allowing for faster reprinting by retrieving and processing stored raster images and authentication/control information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the printer processes each printing task from scratch, then the printing quality and accuracy are ensured, but the reprinting time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by converting documents to image data in advance and storing them in the image data memory unit. When a reprint request occurs, the pre-converted image data is directly retrieved and used for printing, eliminating the need to reprocess the original document. This preliminary conversion and storage action resolves the contradiction by preparing work ahead of time so that reprinting can proceed rapidly without sacrificing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the document in the form of image data and stores it in memory. Instead of processing the original document each time, the printer uses these stored image copies for reprinting operations. This copying approach allows rapid retrieval and printing while maintaining consistent output quality, effectively reducing reprinting time without compromising printing accuracy.
2Speed
If the printer stores image data for future reprinting, then reprinting speed is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image data memory unit serves multiple functions: it stores converted image data for reprinting, holds authentication information, and maintains control information for various printing jobs. By making the memory unit multi-functional, the system achieves fast reprinting capability without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thus improving reprinting speed while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer system performs the image conversion and storage operations itself using its own processing capabilities and memory resources. Rather than relying on external systems or additional specialized devices, the printer serves its own reprinting needs through its built-in image data memory unit and processing unit, achieving fast reprinting without requiring complex external infrastructure.
3Reliability
If the system compares printing information to determine identicalness, then accurate reprinting is achieved, but the processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential comparison elements (authentication information and control information) separately in the memory unit. When a reprint request comes in, only these extracted key elements need to be compared for identicalness, rather than comparing entire documents or all printing parameters. This extraction of critical comparison elements maintains printing accuracy while significantly reducing the time and computational overhead of the comparison process.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing system includes: a storage unit that stores first printing information on already executed printing in association with an image for printing converted from the first printing information; and an execution unit that, when second printing information included in a printing instruction which instructs execution of printing is identical to the first printing information stored in the storage unit, executes printing according to the printing instruction using the image for printing.