Server Printing Data Integrity via Error State Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pull printing systems, printing data is deleted from the server apparatus without verifying the state of the image forming apparatus, leading to undesired outcomes when the apparatus is not in a printable state, causing users to lose data and requiring unnecessary retransmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the error state level of an image forming apparatus, deciding whether to transmit or delete printing data based on this level, and provide a guide message accordingly, allowing data transmission only when the apparatus is in a permissible state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If printing data is automatically deleted from the server apparatus after transmission, then the server apparatus storage space is freed and the system operates efficiently, but data loss occurs when the image forming apparatus is not in a printable state
Solution Approach 1:
The server apparatus checks the operational state of the image forming apparatus before transmitting and deleting printing data. This preliminary verification ensures that data is only deleted when the target apparatus is confirmed to be in a printable state, preventing data loss while maintaining efficient storage management
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server apparatus receives state information from the image forming apparatus and uses this feedback to determine whether to delete printing data. This closed-loop control ensures data integrity while maintaining system efficiency
2Ease of operation
If the server apparatus transmits printing data without checking the image forming apparatus state, then the data transmission process is simple and fast, but the user experience deteriorates due to data loss and required retransmission
Solution Approach 1:
The server apparatus performs a preliminary check of the image forming apparatus state before transmitting printing data. This advance verification prevents failed printing jobs and eliminates the need for user retransmission, maintaining operational simplicity while preventing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The server apparatus autonomously checks the state of the image forming apparatus and makes intelligent decisions about data transmission and deletion without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability prevents data loss while keeping the operation simple for users
3Reliability
If the server apparatus checks the image forming apparatus state before deleting printing data, then data integrity is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server apparatus acts as an intermediary that mediates between the host apparatus and image forming apparatus. It implements the state checking and decision-making logic in the middle layer, maintaining data integrity without significantly complicating the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The server apparatus performs multiple functions including data storage, state checking, transmission control, and deletion management within a single system. This multi-functionality maintains data integrity while avoiding the need for additional separate components that would increase system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling printing of a server apparatus is provided. The method includes: receiving printing data, receiving error information from at least one image forming apparatus; determining an error state level corresponding to the error information among a plurality of error state levels; and when the determined error state level is an allowed level to print, transmitting the printing data to the image forming apparatus and deleting the stored printing data, and when the error state level is a disallowed level, not transmitting the printing data.