Relay Server Condition Storage for Printer Data Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems between terminal devices and printers do not account for scenarios where the option to transmit a drive packet is deleted, leading to a situation where printers cannot transmit data to host computers.
Innovation Solution
A relay server system is configured to receive and store condition information from terminal devices, transmit it to communication apparatuses, and retransmit when necessary, ensuring data transmission even when the power supply state changes, using a Subscribe command mechanism to manage data transmission based on specific notifications and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the printer stores condition information in volatile memory only, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of data transmission deteriorates when power supply changes
Solution Approach 1:
The relay server acts as an intermediary between the terminal device and communication apparatus. It stores condition information in its own memory (non-volatile) and retrieves it when the communication apparatus reconnects, thereby compensating for the volatile memory limitation of the communication apparatus without adding complexity to the apparatus itself
Solution Approach 2:
The relay server preliminarily stores the condition information when it is first received from the terminal device. This preliminary storage ensures that when the communication apparatus reconnects after power changes, the server already has the information ready to transmit, eliminating the need for the apparatus to have non-volatile memory
2Productivity
If the printer continuously monitors transmission conditions, then the productivity of data transmission is improved, but the processing load on the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring and management functions are extracted from the communication apparatus and placed on the relay server. The server handles condition monitoring, information storage, and retrieval operations, while the communication apparatus simply executes transmission when notified, significantly reducing the processing load on the apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The relay server provides self-service by automatically monitoring transmission conditions, storing condition information, and initiating transmissions when conditions are met. The communication apparatus receives simple notifications and executes transmissions without needing complex monitoring capabilities
3Reliability
If the printer uses non-volatile memory to store condition information, then the reliability during power changes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay server serves as an intermediary that provides non-volatile storage functionality externally. The communication apparatus uses simple volatile memory, while the relay server handles persistent storage of condition information, separating the storage requirements from the apparatus itself
Solution Approach 2:
The relay server maintains a copy of the condition information in its own memory system. When the communication apparatus reconnects, the server retrieves the stored copy and transmits it, effectively providing persistent storage capability without requiring the apparatus to have non-volatile memory
Data Source
AI summary
A relay server system includes: at least one processor; at least one memory storing computer readable instructions when executed by the at least one processor causing the relay server system to: receive first condition information from a first terminal device, the first condition information representing a condition to transmit data from a communication apparatus to a first terminal device; transmit the first condition information to the communication apparatus when the relay server system receives the first condition information; store the first condition information in a memory when the first condition information is received; receive a specific notification from the communication apparatus after the relay server system transmits the first condition information to the communication apparatus; and transmit the first condition information stored in the memory to the communication apparatus again when the specific notification is received.