Printer Storage Management via Connection ID and Server Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Web-based printing technologies face issues with storage space shortages in printers due to unused print settings and require users to remember registration IDs or job IDs, leading to inefficient management and potential storage overflow.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that stores print setting information using a connection ID, allowing for retrieval and deletion based on print requests and connection terminations, thereby managing print settings efficiently and reducing storage occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If print settings are registered in the printer storage area with registration IDs, then print settings can be stored and retrieved, but the storage area becomes insufficient due to accumulation of unused settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function for print settings from the printer to an external server. The printer only retains minimal necessary data (connection IDs and job IDs), while the server stores the actual print settings. This extraction resolves the storage capacity problem by removing the burden of storing large amounts of print setting data from the printer's limited storage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the user and the printer settings storage. The server acts as a mediator that receives connection IDs from the printer, stores the corresponding print settings, and retrieves them when needed. This intermediary structure allows the printer to maintain only lightweight reference data while the bulk storage occurs externally.
2Ease of operation
If users register print settings with registration IDs in the printer, then print settings can be managed, but users must remember the registration IDs which leads to unused settings remaining in storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically manages the lifecycle of print settings without requiring user intervention. When a connection terminates, the printer automatically sends a deletion notification to the server, which then deletes the corresponding print settings. This automated self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually track and delete unused settings, preventing storage occupancy by unnecessary registration information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop between the printer and server through connection termination notifications. When a connection ends, the printer provides feedback to the server by sending a deletion notification containing the connection ID. The server processes this feedback by deleting the associated print settings. This feedback mechanism ensures that storage is dynamically managed based on actual usage patterns.
3Productivity
If print settings are stored in the printer storage area, then print requests can be fulfilled using stored settings, but the storage area is limited and fills up quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the storage dimension from local (printer internal storage) to remote (server storage). By moving the storage location to another dimension (external network storage), the system overcomes the physical limitations of the printer's storage area. The printer maintains only lightweight connection identifiers locally, while the actual print settings reside in the unlimited capacity of the server's storage space.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer performs printing based on a print setting related to a session ID. A Web application transmits print data to the printer together with the session ID. If a print setting related to the session ID is present, the printer performs printing based on the print setting. If no print setting related to the session ID is present, the printer prompts a connection destination to confirm the print setting related to the session ID. When the session ends, the printer deletes the print setting related to the session ID. With the above configuration, issues are solved.