Relay Server for Printer Image Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printers with limited storage capacity cannot store converted image data, necessitating external memory for re-printing, which is inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A relay server is introduced to acquire storing instructions, account identification information, and converted image data from a recording apparatus, and transmit them to a storage server, allowing the storage of converted image data for later use without external memory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the printer stores converted image data locally, then printing can be performed, but the printer's small storage capacity prevents storing the converted image data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidconvenience of re-printing

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A relay server is introduced as an intermediary component between the printer and storage server. The relay server receives conversion completion notifications from the conversion server, acquires account identification information from the printer, and transmits converted image data to the storage server. This mediator resolves the storage capacity limitation of the printer while maintaining the ability to re-print images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the storage function from the printer's local storage (one-dimensional limitation) to a remote storage server (adding a network dimension). By utilizing cloud-based or remote storage resources, the system overcomes the physical storage constraints of the printer while preserving all printing functionalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external memory is used to store converted image data, then re-printing becomes possible, but the user must prepare and manage external memory devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvere-printing capabilityVSAvoiduser operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic storage of converted image data without requiring user intervention. The relay server automatically receives conversion completion notifications, acquires account information, and transmits data to the storage server. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually prepare external memory or manage storage operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The relay server performs preliminary actions by automatically acquiring account identification information from the printer and establishing the storage connection before the user needs to re-print. The converted image data is pre-stored in the storage server with proper account association, so when re-printing is needed, the user simply needs to request the data without any preparation work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the relay server acquires and transmits account identification information and converted image data, then storage is enabled, but additional system components are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of storageVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay server performs multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge between the printer and storage server, manages account identification information, handles conversion completion notifications, and coordinates data transmission. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional component, the system avoids the need for multiple separate devices while achieving the storage capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9720631B2Relay server, storage medium storing instructions executable by the relay server, and control method

Publication Date: 2017.08.01 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A relay server includes: a communication device communicable with a recording apparatus, a conversion server which converts image data, and a storage server which stores the image data; and a controller. The controller is configured to: acquire, from the recording apparatus, a storing instruction for storing converted image data into the storage server, the converted image data being image data converted by the conversion server; acquire account identification information for identifying an account of the recording apparatus in the storage server, from the recording apparatus via the communication device; acquire the converted image data from the conversion server via the communication device; and transmit the acquired converted image data and the acquired account identification information to the storage server via the communication device in a state in which the acquired converted image data and the acquired account identification information are associated with each other.