Unified Output System Managing Distributed Storage Destinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing output systems, such as print and image projection systems, face challenges in managing output requests registered using different methods, particularly in integrating pull print systems that store print jobs in either a print server or a client terminal, leading to difficulties in unified operation.
Innovation Solution
An output system comprising a terminal apparatus, an output apparatus, and interconnected information processing apparatuses, with a registration process unit, storage destination information storage, and a providing process unit, enabling the selection and management of output requests across various storage destinations, including both print servers and client terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If output requests are registered using different methods (print server storage vs. client terminal storage), then the system can accommodate diverse user needs and storage preferences, but it becomes difficult to manage and integrate these different registration methods in a unified system
Solution Approach 1:
The output apparatus is designed to handle multiple types of output requests through a single unified interface. The control unit can process both print server storage requests and client terminal storage requests, as well as projection requests, through the same user selection mechanism. This allows the system to perform multiple functions (printing to different locations, projection) while maintaining a consistent user experience and management approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The output apparatus acts as an intermediary between the information processing apparatus and the various storage destinations (print server, client terminal, projection device). By centralizing the selection and routing logic in the output apparatus, the system mediates between different registration methods and storage locations, simplifying the overall management while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If all output data is stored in a centralized print server, then management and control are simplified, but storage costs and total cost of ownership increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the storage function across multiple locations: the print server stores only the output requests and control data, while the actual output data can be stored in client terminals or other distributed locations. This segmentation reduces the storage burden on the centralized server while maintaining centralized management capabilities through the storage destination information.
3Quantity of substance
If output data is stored in client terminals, then storage costs are reduced, but the system loses centralized control and management capability
Solution Approach 1:
The output apparatus serves as an intermediary that maintains centralized control even when data is distributed to client terminals. The control unit stores storage destination information that identifies where output data is located, and uses this information to retrieve and process output requests regardless of the actual data location. This intermediary role preserves centralized management while allowing distributed storage.
4Ease of operation
If the system supports multiple storage destinations and data formats, then user flexibility and error reduction are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages multiple storage destinations and data formats by treating them as variable parameters rather than fixed structures. The storage destination information contains configurable parameters that identify the storage location type (print server, client terminal, projection device) and associated settings. This parameter-based approach allows the system to adapt to different configurations without requiring complex hard-coded logic for each scenario.
Data Source
AI summary
An output system includes a terminal apparatus, an output apparatus, and an information processing apparatus that are interconnected via a network. The information processing apparatus includes a registration process unit that registers an output request for output data received in one of multiple methods from the terminal apparatus that is operated by a user, a storage destination information storage unit that stores storage destination information for determining a storage destination of the output data, and a unit that provides the output request and the storage destination information when requested by the output apparatus. The output apparatus includes a selection receiving unit that receives a selection of the output request from the user, an output data acquisition unit that determines the storage destination of the output data based on the storage destination information and acquires the output data from the storage destination, and a unit that outputs the output data.