Pull Printing System Network Traffic Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pull printing systems experience high data traffic over networks due to the need for continuous communication between server computers and image forming apparatuses for print job management, leading to increased communication burdens and management complexities.
Innovation Solution
A pull printing system architecture that includes a server computer, manager image forming apparatus, and client image forming apparatus, where the server authenticates users and manages print jobs, with the manager apparatus handling print job execution and authentication information, reducing network traffic by designating specific port numbers for communication and utilizing Printer Job Language commands for job management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the server computer continuously communicates with image forming apparatuses for print job management, then print job management is achieved, but network data traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized server management function into distributed manager image forming apparatuses at each LAN site. Each manager apparatus independently manages print jobs within its local network, eliminating the need for continuous server communication and reducing overall network data traffic while maintaining effective print job management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the system architecture, with manager image forming apparatuses operating at the local LAN level and the server computer operating at the wider network level. This dimensional separation allows local management tasks to be handled locally, reducing traffic on the wider network while preserving centralized authentication and control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the server computer manages all print jobs centrally, then centralized control is achieved, but management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized management function into semi-autonomous manager image forming apparatuses distributed across multiple LANs. Each manager apparatus handles local print job management independently, reducing the complexity burden on the central server while maintaining centralized authentication and policy enforcement capabilities through the server-computer interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The manager image forming apparatuses serve as intermediary devices between the server computer and client image forming apparatuses. These intermediaries handle local management tasks, authentication verification, and print job routing, thereby reducing the direct management complexity at the server level while maintaining centralized control policies.
3Reliability
If authentication information is transmitted between client and manager apparatus, then user authentication is achieved, but communication burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication where the manager image forming apparatus verifies user credentials against the server computer before allowing print job submission. This preliminary action ensures authentication is completed once at the entry point, eliminating the need for repeated authentication communications during subsequent print operations, thereby reducing overall communication burden while maintaining security.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pull printing system (10) according to one aspect of the invention includes a server computer (20), a manager image forming apparatus (40), and a client image forming apparatus (50). The manager image forming apparatus (40) includes a manager-side print execution unit that executes a print job received to a first port number, a job management unit (49b) that manages the print job received to a second port number different from the first port number in association with the user, and a job transmitting unit (49f). The job transmitting unit (49f) transmits the print job associated with a user authenticated by the server computer (20) to the client image forming apparatus (50) among the print job managed by the job management unit (49b).