Proxy Printing Network System for Distributed Data Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network printing systems require special servers and concentrated access, leading to inefficiencies and the need for installed application software and printer drivers on computers, making them inconvenient for printing without these resources.
Innovation Solution
A network printing system with proxy printing units that send application data and printing settings across the network, allowing computers with appropriate software and drivers to generate and print the data without a special server, distributing processing and simplifying configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated PDL generation server is installed on the network, then computers can print application data without installing application software, but access becomes concentrated on the server leading to deteriorated data conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the network into multiple zones with different functionality. Some computers are designated as proxy printing computers (having application software and printer drivers) while others are client computers (without these applications). This segmentation distributes the data conversion workload across multiple proxy printing computers rather than concentrating it on a single server, thereby maintaining printing accessibility while improving overall conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Proxy printing computers serve as intermediaries between client computers and printers. When a client computer needs to print data, it sends the print request to a proxy printing computer that has the necessary application software and printer drivers. The proxy printing computer performs the data conversion and sends the processed data to the printer, eliminating the need for a dedicated PDL generation server while distributing the conversion workload
2Adaptability or versatility
If a printer server with common PDL driver is installed, then printing can be carried out without considering printer driver installation on computers, but access concentration on the printer server deteriorates efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the printer driver functionality across multiple proxy printing computers rather than centralizing it on a single printer server. Each proxy printing computer that has the necessary printer drivers can handle print requests for specific printers, distributing the processing load and improving efficiency while maintaining driver compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
Proxy printing computers serve multiple functions: they act as both client computers (able to receive print requests) and server computers (able to perform data conversion and communicate with printers). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated printer server while maintaining the ability to handle various printer driver requirements
3Productivity
If application software and printer driver are installed on the computer, then printing can be performed directly, but the computer requires special software installation which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses proxy printing computers as intermediaries that have the necessary application software and printer drivers installed. Client computers that do not want to install these applications can simply send print requests to the proxy printing computers, which then perform the data conversion and printing. This allows client computers to maintain simplicity while still achieving full printing functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Desired application data can be printed in a desired printing condition even if a computer being used does not have appropriate application software or a printer driver installed therein. Each of proxy printing transmission units sends proxy printing request information comprising the application data to be printed and printing setting information as the printing condition to a network. Each of proxy printing judgment and processing units receives the proxy printing request information from the network, and compares the proxy printing request information with proxy printing enabling information comprising the type of application software and printing enabling setting information in a printer driver installed in a corresponding one of computers. If the proxy printing enabling information matches the proxy printing request information, the application data are sent to the computer having the match and converted into PDL data that are printed from a corresponding printer.