Printing System Server Data Offload for MFP Memory Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional document printing systems require high-capacity memory in multifunction peripherals (MFPs) to store print data before payment settlement, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A printing system architecture where the MFP acquires print jobs from external devices and transfers them to a data processing server for storage and payment processing, allowing the MFP to operate without high-capacity memory by transmitting print jobs and payment requests through the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MFP stores print data locally before payment settlement, then the printing function can be executed, but the memory capacity requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the print data storage function from the MFP and relocates it to an external server. The MFP only temporarily holds minimal data (print job identifiers, payment information) while the actual print data is stored on the server, thereby reducing the MFP's memory capacity requirements while maintaining reliable printing execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an external server as an intermediary between the MFP and the print data storage. The server acts as a mediator that receives print data from external devices, stores it, and provides it to the MFP when needed after payment settlement, eliminating the need for large local memory in the MFP
2Reliability
If the MFP waits for user selection before transmitting print data, then payment can be settled, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having external devices transmit print data to the server in advance, before the user needs to print. The print data is pre-stored on the server with associated payment information, so when the user selects a print job at the MFP, the data is already ready and can be quickly retrieved and printed, reducing operation time while ensuring payment settlement
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system includes a printing device and a data processing server. The printing device includes a first controller. The data processing server includes a second controller. The first controller acquires a print job from an external device and transmits the print job to the server. The second controller receives the print job and stores the print job in a server memory. The first controller receives designation of the print job subject to printing and transmits a print request for printing the print job subject to printing to the server. After a fee payment approval to approve a payment for execution of the designated print job is transmitted, the second controller transmits to the printing device the print job. The first controller receives the print job and performs printing the print job on a print medium by controlling a printing member.