Dynamic Virtual Data Conversion Server Scaling for Print Workloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing systems face inefficiencies due to fixed numbers of data conversion servers, leading to decreased throughput when print job data is large or excessive when it's small, as seen in JP-A-2014-49004.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus with a modification control section that adjusts the number or specification of virtual data conversion servers based on print requests, and an allocation control section that allocates print jobs to these changed servers, enabling dynamic scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of data conversion servers is increased, then the throughput is improved when print job data is large, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic server allocation where the number of data conversion servers is adjusted based on real-time print job data volume. When print job data is large, more servers are activated to increase throughput; when data volume is small, fewer servers are used to reduce complexity and cost. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high throughput and minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of server quantity based on print job data characteristics. By monitoring print job volume and dynamically adjusting the number of active data conversion servers, the system optimizes throughput for large data volumes while reducing complexity for smaller volumes, effectively resolving the technical contradiction.
2Device complexity
If the number of data conversion servers is fixed, then the system complexity is reduced, but the throughput decreases when print job data is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed server configuration into a dynamic one where the number of active servers is adjusted based on print job data volume. This dynamic approach maintains low system complexity through automated control while enabling throughput scaling when large print job data requires more processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the print control apparatus automatically monitors print job data volume and adjusts the number of data conversion servers without manual intervention. This automated self-adjustment maintains operational simplicity while optimizing throughput based on actual workload demands.
3Productivity
If the number of data conversion servers is increased, then the throughput is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameter of server quantity based on print job data volume characteristics. By activating additional servers only when large print job data requires them, the system achieves high throughput when needed while minimizing resource consumption and cost during periods of lower workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily activates additional data conversion servers only when required by large print job volumes, then deactivates or discards them when no longer needed. This on-demand resource allocation improves throughput during peak loads while reducing overall resource consumption and associated costs during normal or low-volume operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A print control apparatus includes a modification control section configured to change, in accordance with a given number relating to a print request issued by a terminal device, the number or a specification of one or more virtual data conversion servers that convert data of a print job based on the print request into data suitable for the printing apparatus, and an allocation control section configured to allocate the print job to any one of the changed one or more data conversion servers.