Printing Control Apparatus Free Space Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple copy printing techniques face challenges in efficiently managing print data storage on personal computers, especially when parallel processing of applications is involved, leading to unstable operational states and unnecessary file access due to congested storage areas.
Innovation Solution
A printing control apparatus that determines free space on a storage device and either deletes or reuses print data to ensure efficient storage and transfer, minimizing processing and maintaining system stability by prioritizing storage of print data based on processing load and available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If print data of all pages is stored in storage device for collating printing, then printing speed is improved, but storage space is exhausted and system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage of print data by page numbers. Instead of storing all pages simultaneously, it stores only the necessary pages (current page and subsequent pages) in the storage device, while managing pages in memory for immediate access. This segmentation reduces storage device usage while maintaining printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the parameter of storage allocation by monitoring free space in the storage device. When free space falls below a threshold, it adjusts the storage strategy to prioritize system stability over maximum printing speed, thereby adapting to changing system conditions.
2Device complexity
If print data is stored in temporary storage area first, then storage management is simplified, but storage area congestion occurs and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the print data generation and storage management from the temporary storage area (memory) and places it directly in the storage device. By generating print data and storing it in the storage device directly without intermediate temporary storage, it reduces storage area congestion and improves processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing print data for subsequent pages in the storage device before they are needed. This allows the printing system to quickly retrieve and process pages during collating printing without causing storage congestion at critical moments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage area is shared for various applications, then resource utilization is improved, but print data storage becomes unreliable and access conflicts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal storage management mechanism that handles multiple functions: storing print data for current pages, pre-storing data for subsequent pages, and managing memory/storage device coordination. This multi-functional approach allows reliable print data storage while sharing the storage area with other applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the free space in the storage device and adjusting print data storage operations accordingly. When free space is sufficient, it stores print data reliably; when space is constrained, it adjusts storage behavior to prevent system instability, ensuring reliable operation under varying conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control apparatus confirms whether a predetermined free space is present to stabilize an operation of a system. If it is determined that the predetermined free space is not present, the printing control apparatus deletes at least a part of stored print data. In a case where the predetermined free space becomes available by preliminarily performed deletion processing, the printing control apparatus stores print data of a first copy. Then, in the print processing for second and subsequent copies, if print data of a target page is already present, the printing control apparatus skips the processing for generating the print data of the target page.