Server-Based Print Data Processing Offloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer control systems that rely on OS-standard printing programs lack image processing capabilities, limiting the use of advanced printer functions such as image expansion and synthesis, and are dependent on hardware specifications, which may not always support memory-intensive processes.

Innovation Solution

A print system architecture where a server applies image processing to print data, interconnected with an information processing apparatus and a printer through a network, using identifying information to determine the necessary image processing and apply it to unprocessed print data before printing, thereby offloading processing requirements from the printer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If image processing functions are implemented in the printer itself, then advanced printing capabilities are achieved, but the printer requires large memory capacity and sophisticated hardware specifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing capabilityVSAvoidhardware specification requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary device between the information processing apparatus and the printer. The server performs image processing on print data before transmitting it to the printer, eliminating the need for the printer to have sophisticated hardware capabilities. The server acts as a mediator that handles the computationally intensive image processing tasks, allowing the printer to focus solely on the printing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the printing system into distinct functional components: the information processing apparatus generates print data, the server performs image processing, and the printer executes printing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the server bearing the computational burden of image processing while the printer maintains simpler hardware specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If OS-standard printing programs are used, then ease of operation is improved, but image processing functions are not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting program accessibilityVSAvoidimage processing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The server serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple OS-standard printing programs and advanced image processing capabilities. The printing program remains simple and easy to use, while the server automatically applies appropriate image processing to the print data, thereby providing both ease of operation and advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server implements a universal solution that works with standard printing programs while providing additional image processing capabilities. It can handle various types of print data from different sources and apply appropriate processing based on the data characteristics, making the system multi-functional without requiring users to install complex drivers or programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If image processing is performed by the printer, then processing speed is improved, but memory capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidmemory capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The server acts as an intermediary that performs image processing externally to the printer. This allows the processing speed to be maintained at high levels through the server's computational capabilities, while the printer itself does not need to allocate large amounts of memory for processing tasks. The server handles the memory-intensive operations separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10891087B2Print system, printer and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions therefor

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A print system comprising an information processing apparatus, a printer and a server which are interconnected through a network. When receiving the unprocessed print data from the printer, the server performs, based on the received unprocessed print data, obtaining a transmission source identifying information identifying a transmission source of the unprocessed print data and the information processing apparatus which delivers the unprocessed image data to the printer, applying the image processing, which corresponds to the second identifying information associated with the first identifying information identifying a device same as a device identified by the transmission source identifying information as obtained, to the unprocessed print data, and transmitting processed print data which is the print data to which the image processing has been applied to the printer. When the printer receives the processed print data form the server, the printer performs printing based on the processed print data.