Printing System Metadata Segmentation for Network Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing systems that allow printing without a dedicated server overload image forming apparatuses and networks by transmitting print files to all connected devices, limiting the ability to print from any apparatus and increasing network load.
Innovation Solution
A printing system where a client terminal transmits metadata to multiple image forming apparatuses, allowing users to select and print files from any apparatus, with files under a certain threshold being transmitted and larger files held by the originating apparatus until printing is performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the client terminal transmits the print file to all image forming apparatuses over the network, then the user can print in any image forming apparatus, but a load is applied to the network and image forming apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print file into two parts: metadata (transmitted to all apparatuses) and actual print data (transferred only when needed). This segmentation allows the system to maintain printing flexibility while minimizing network load, as only lightweight metadata is broadcast to all image forming apparatuses rather than the complete print file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential identification information (metadata) from the print file and separates it from the bulk print data. The metadata contains sufficient information for the image forming apparatus to identify and request the specific print file, enabling the system to achieve versatile printing without transmitting the entire print file to all devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image forming apparatus holds a plurality of print files, then the user can select and print from any apparatus, but a load is applied to the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary metadata from print files and stores it in the image forming apparatus, while the actual print data remains stored in the client terminal. This extraction approach allows multiple apparatuses to have access to print job information without each apparatus needing to store complete print files, thereby maintaining printing flexibility while reducing memory consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates lightweight copies of print file information in the form of metadata that can be stored and transmitted efficiently. These metadata copies contain sufficient information for identification and retrieval, allowing the system to achieve the effect of having multiple copies available without the storage burden of duplicating full print files across all apparatuses.
3Ease of operation
If the client terminal transmits the print file to all image forming apparatuses, then printing can be performed in any apparatus, but a load may be applied to the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication into two phases: first transmitting lightweight metadata to all image forming apparatuses (minimal network traffic), then transferring the actual print file only to the selected apparatus (on-demand traffic). This segmentation maintains printing convenience while significantly reducing overall network traffic compared to transmitting complete print files to all devices upfront.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary transmission of metadata to all image forming apparatuses before the user makes a selection. This preliminary action enables the user to see available print jobs at any apparatus without having previously transmitted the complete print file, thereby simplifying operation while keeping network traffic minimal during the preliminary phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, a printing system of an exemplary embodiment includes a client terminal connected via a network, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses each including an operating unit which receives an operation input of a user. A first image forming apparatus that receives a print file from the client terminal transmits metadata of the print file to a second image forming apparatus. The second image forming apparatus displays a list of print files which are on standby for printing based on the metadata, and obtains a print file from the first image forming apparatus when a print instruction and a selection of a desired print file from the list of print files are received through the operating unit, and performs printing based the print file.