Unlock-Code Print Server for Simplified Job Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print systems require manual selection of printers and print jobs, leading to an operational burden for users.
Innovation Solution
A print server that correlates printer identification information with unlock codes and manages print job registration and release through a communication interface, allowing automatic selection and printing based on unlock codes displayed on printers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of printers and print jobs is implemented, then users have control over printing decisions, but operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service printing by displaying print job lists directly on the printer interface, allowing users to select and print jobs without manual intervention from operators or complex selection processes. The printer itself serves as the selection interface, reducing operational burden while maintaining user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device on the printer acts as an intermediary between the print server and the user, presenting print job information in an accessible format and enabling direct selection without requiring users to navigate complex systems or manually configure printing parameters.
2Ease of operation
If print job lists are displayed on printer display devices, then user selection is simplified, but the system requires additional display components
Solution Approach 1:
The printer's display device serves multiple functions: it displays print job lists from the server, allows user selection of jobs, provides feedback about printing status, and potentially displays other operational information. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of display components by eliminating the need for separate selection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection interface and printing function are merged into a single device (the printer itself). By combining the display, selection interface, and printing mechanism in one location, the system eliminates the need for separate workstations or interfaces, reducing overall system complexity despite adding display components to the printer.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a print server including a memory, a communication interface, and a processor is provided. The memory is configured to store first management information that correlates printer identification information for identifying a printer with an unlock code for the printer. The processor is configured to transmit registration destination information of a print job to the client terminal through the communication interface in response to a registration request for the print job transmitted from the client terminal, register the print job transmitted from the client terminal in a registration destination indicated by the registration destination information, transmit the unlock code to the printer through the communication interface, specify the printer from the first management information based on the unlock code included in a first release request for the print job transmitted from the client terminal that reads print designation information including the unlock code displayed on the printer, and cause the specified printer to print an image based on the print job registered in the registration destination.