Printing Control System Non-Response Parent Unit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional printing systems with multiple image forming apparatuses connected through a network, identifying the parent unit storing print data can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when some parent units are malfunctioning or under maintenance, leading to wasted communication processing and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A printing control system where child units store connection information for multiple parent units, transmit job list requests, and manage responses, including a mechanism to detect non-responsive parent units and adjust request timing to ensure efficient data retrieval and printing without waiting for unresponsive units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child unit sends inquiries to multiple parent units to identify which one stores the print data, then the child unit can find the correct parent unit, but the time required to complete the identification increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having parent units proactively transmit their stored print data information to child units before being queried. This allows child units to maintain local records of which parent units hold which print data, eliminating the need for time-consuming sequential inquiries when a print job needs to be executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where parent units respond to child unit inquiries with information about their stored print data. This feedback loop enables child units to build and update their knowledge base about data locations, making future print operations faster and more efficient.
2Reliability
If the system waits for a predetermined time period for parent units to respond, then all parent units are given a chance to reply, but broken or maintained parent units cause unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on received responses. When a child unit receives a response from a parent unit indicating that the required print data is available, it can immediately proceed with the print job without waiting for responses from other parent units. This dynamic adaptation eliminates unnecessary waiting time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the child unit to skip the waiting period for unresponsive parent units once it has identified a suitable parent unit with the required print data. By rushing through the process with the available responsive unit, the system avoids delays caused by broken or maintained parent units while still ensuring data availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parent units are designated in the system, then the system becomes more versatile and reliable, but the complexity of managing and identifying the correct parent unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the management of print data information by having each parent unit independently report its stored data to child units. This segmentation distributes the management burden across multiple units rather than requiring a centralized management system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Parent units automatically manage their own information by transmitting details about their stored print data to child units without requiring external management. This self-service approach reduces management complexity while allowing multiple parent units to coexist in the system, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing control system includes: parent units and child units connected together through a network, the parent units including a first memory, and the child units including: a second memory; a job list request provider that transmits a job list request to connectable parent units and a job list response obtainer that obtains a job list response sent back. If a first child unit detects a parent unit not sending back the job list response within a predetermined time period, the first child unit stores, in a non-response parent unit information item, the parent unit not sending back the job list response, and when the first child unit transmits the job list request at a next time, the first child unit transmits the job list request to a parent unit other than the parent unit stored in the non-response parent unit information item.