Virtual Printer Cloud Print Service Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud print services, storing a print job in multiple cloud services leads to duplicated storage resource consumption and increased traffic, resulting in inefficiencies and higher operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method where a print job is stored only in a first cloud print service and processed for printing by an image forming apparatus without being stored in a second cloud print service, using a virtual printer to transfer print data directly to the image forming apparatus, thereby reducing storage and traffic burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a print job is transmitted via multiple cloud print services to enable the image forming apparatus to be used from multiple services, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but storage resources are duplicated and traffic costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual printer as an intermediary component that bridges multiple cloud print services. The virtual printer receives print jobs from multiple cloud services and forwards them to the image forming apparatus, eliminating the need for each service to store separate copies of the same job. This mediator approach allows the apparatus to be accessible from multiple services while centralizing job storage in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual printer performs multiple functions: it acts as a reception point for print jobs from various cloud services, serves as a centralized storage location, and functions as a routing mechanism to deliver jobs to the image forming apparatus. This multi-functional component resolves the contradiction by providing universal access while maintaining single-instance job storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a print job is transmitted via multiple cloud print services to enable cross-service printing, then service compatibility is improved, but traffic volume and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual printer serves as a traffic intermediary that consolidates communication flows. Instead of each cloud service directly communicating with the image forming apparatus (creating multiple traffic paths), all jobs route through the virtual printer, reducing redundant data transmission and lowering traffic costs while maintaining compatibility with multiple services.
3Reliability
If each cloud print service stores its own copy of the print job, then service independence is maintained, but storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function of multiple cloud services into a single centralized location (the virtual printer). While the services maintain their operational independence, their storage functions are combined to eliminate duplication. This merging approach preserves service autonomy while dramatically improving storage efficiency by storing each job only once.
Data Source
AI summary
A first cloud print service has a storage unit that stores a print job received from a client terminal to a first storage region and a first transmission unit that transmits information on the print job to a second cloud print service, which includes a second transmission unit that transmits, to an image forming apparatus, the information on the print job transmitted by the first transmission unit. The image forming apparatus has an input unit that inputs an instruction of performing printing of the print job based on the information on print job transmitted by the second transmission unit and a first printing process unit that receives the print job from the first cloud print service and performs a printing process of the print job when the image forming apparatus is registered in the first cloud print service.