Pull Printing Server Load Management via Deferred Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pull printing systems, the server machine is overloaded at the start of operation when multiple users send print jobs simultaneously, leading to increased load and potential system downtime due to the generation of folders and account information for all users at once.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pull printing system where access information is generated and folders are created for users only when their first print job is received, and utilizing a separate storage area for MFPs to reduce the initial load on the server machine, with access information generation controlled by a system administrator during off-peak times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the server machine generates folders and account information for all users at system startup, then all users can access the printing system, but the server machine becomes overloaded and may go down
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs folder and account information generation in advance during system initialization, but implements a delay mechanism that postpones actual file system operations until users actually attempt to access printing services. This preliminary setup of data structures without immediate resource-intensive operations allows the server to remain responsive while still preparing for user access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on actual user access patterns. Instead of statically creating all user folders and account information immediately at startup, the system adopts a dynamic approach where these resources are created on-demand when users first connect, allowing the server to adapt its resource allocation to actual usage rather than anticipating all possible users.
2Reliability
If the server machine waits for user requests to generate folders and account information, then the initial load is reduced, but user access is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary setup of folder structures and account information data models during system initialization, preparing the framework in advance. When users connect, the actual file creation and detailed account setup is rapidly completed because the foundational structures are already in place, reducing the perceived delay while maintaining server availability during startup.
3Productivity
If multiple users send print jobs simultaneously at system startup, then the printing system becomes fully utilized, but the server machine is overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically handles print job processing by implementing asynchronous job acceptance and queued processing. When multiple users send print jobs simultaneously, the server accepts and queues these jobs without immediate processing, distributing the workload over time rather than handling all jobs concurrently, thus maintaining high productivity while preventing server overload.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a request portion that requests, from a server machine, access information used for reading out a job, and an access information reception portion that receives the access information. The server machine includes a job reception portion that receives the job and stores the job into a first area, a second area into which the job is to be stored for the image forming apparatus, a storage portion that stores, therein, second read-out information used for reading out the job from the second area, and a response portion that receives a request, and if there is first read-out information used for reading out the job from the first area, then sends the first read-out information to the image forming apparatus as the access information, and otherwise, moves the job to the second area, and sends the second read-out information to the image forming apparatus.