Printing Device Command Segmentation for Parallel Non-Hardware Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices connected to multiple servers through a network face delays and parallel process execution issues when receiving commands, as they are configured to avoid executing hardware operations simultaneously to prevent parallel processes, leading to delayed processing of received commands.
Innovation Solution
The printing device is configured to differentiate between first commands that instruct hardware operations and second commands that do not, deferring processes based on first commands from one server while executing second commands from another server, allowing parallel execution of non-hardware operations like transmitting information during active hardware operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the printing device does not execute a process based on a received command while executing a process involving a hardware operation, then parallel hardware operations are prevented, but the process of the received command is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments commands into two categories: first commands (involving hardware operations) and second commands (not involving hardware operations). This segmentation allows the printing device to selectively execute second commands in parallel with first commands, preventing delays while maintaining hardware operation integrity. The controller executes second commands received from another server even when a first command is being executed, but defers first commands until the hardware operation completes.
2Productivity
If the printing device executes processes based on commands from multiple servers simultaneously, then command processing efficiency is improved, but parallel hardware operations may occur causing conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic command execution control where the controller adapts its behavior based on the current execution state. When a first command is being executed, the controller dynamically permits second commands to execute while deferring additional first commands. This dynamic approach maximizes productivity by allowing non-conflicting operations to proceed simultaneously while maintaining reliability by preventing parallel hardware operations.
3Reliability
If the printing device defers all received commands while executing a hardware operation, then hardware operation conflicts are avoided, but overall processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different command types differently during hardware operations. Second commands (non-hardware operations) are permitted to execute with high priority during first command execution, while additional first commands are deferred. This selective approach maintains hardware safety while maximizing overall processing speed by allowing non-conflicting operations to proceed without delay.
Data Source
AI summary
Delaying processing based on received commands is suppressed while preventing executing parallel processes involving operation of hardware. Servers can send printing commands and non-printing commands to a printing device. When a printing command is received from a first server and a printing command is then received from another server different from the first server while a process based on the printing command received from the first server is executing, the printing device does not execute the process based on the printing command received from the other server; but if a non-printing command is received from another server, the printing device executes a process based on the non-printing command received from the other server parallel to the process based on the printing command received from the first server.