Printer Lock Control via Host Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formation systems do not allow for exclusive use of an image formation apparatus by an external device, leading to potential conflicts and inefficiencies when multiple host PCs attempt to access a printer.
Innovation Solution
An image formation system that includes a status information transmission mechanism, a processor, and determination unit to send and receive status information, allowing a lock instruction to be sent to the image formation apparatus, which can shift to a locked state for exclusive use by one external apparatus, and an unlock instruction to revert to an unlocked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple host PCs are connected to a printer, then resource sharing is enabled, but conflicts and inefficiencies occur when multiple devices attempt to access the printer simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lock instruction mechanism as an intermediary control system between multiple host PCs and the printer. When a host PC sends a lock instruction, the printer enters a locked state that prevents other devices from accessing it, thereby mediating the access conflicts without requiring complex negotiation protocols between multiple clients
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through status information transmission. The printer sends status information to host PCs to indicate whether it is in a locked or unlocked state, allowing clients to make informed decisions about accessing the printer and preventing simultaneous access attempts
2Reliability
If a lock instruction mechanism is introduced to enable exclusive use, then access conflicts are prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking control logic from the printer itself and places it in the host PC that wants to access the printer exclusively. The determination unit in the host PC checks status information and decides whether to send a lock instruction, simplifying the printer's control mechanism while maintaining exclusive access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The lock instruction mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables exclusive access control, provides status indication through feedback, and allows flexible decision-making by the host PC based on received status information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
3Ease of operation
If status information transmission is implemented, then informed decision-making for locking is enabled, but information transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits only the necessary status information (locked/unlocked state) rather than complete printer status data. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for the host PC to make locking decisions while minimizing communication overhead and energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes: sending a transmission instruction to send status information indicating a state of an image formation apparatus; receiving a status information in response to the transmission instruction; determining, based on the status information, whether to permit a lock instruction to be sent causing the image formation apparatus to shift to a locked state in which only image formation instructed by a first external apparatus is executable; sending the lock instruction when the lock instruction is permitted to be sent; causing the image formation apparatus to shift to the locked state in accordance with the sent lock instruction; sending an unlock instruction to cancel the locked state; and causing the image formation apparatus to shift to an unlocked state in accordance with the sent unlock instruction. The lock instruction is permitted to be sent when the image formation apparatus is determined to not be in the locked state.