Web Print Server Cloud Storage for Job Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print spooling systems lack user control over print jobs, requiring significant infrastructure updates and additional storage capacity, which is costly and inefficient, as they automatically delete jobs after printing and do not allow for reprinting or sharing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing cloud storage through an Internet-based service provider that allows users to maintain and reprint print jobs indefinitely, with a web print server that downloads jobs from the cloud storage server and sends them to printers, eliminating the need for embedded capabilities in multi-function peripherals and reducing upfront costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If print jobs are stored indefinitely in a spooling server to allow users greater control and reprinting, then user control over print jobs is improved, but additional storage capacity and infrastructure costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud storage server as an intermediary between the print spooling server and the printer. The cloud storage server stores print jobs indefinitely, allowing users to access and reprint jobs from anywhere. This mediator solution provides user control without requiring the local spooling server to maintain large storage capacities, thus resolving the contradiction between user control and storage capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from local storage (two-dimensional: spooling server with limited capacity) to cloud-based storage (three-dimensional: adding the network/cloud dimension). By moving print job storage to a remote cloud storage server accessible via network, the system gains unlimited storage capacity without increasing local infrastructure requirements, effectively resolving the storage capacity constraint.
2Ease of operation
If additional storage capacities are added to maintain print jobs indefinitely, then user control and job history are improved, but up-front capital expenditures and personnel resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud storage server acts as a mediator that provides unlimited storage capacity without requiring the organization to purchase and maintain additional physical storage hardware. The intermediary handles the storage infrastructure, allowing the organization to access cloud storage through standard network connections without capitalizing on expensive storage equipment or dedicated personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining physical copies of print jobs in local storage, the system creates and maintains digital copies in the cloud storage server. Users can access these copies through network connections, eliminating the need for expensive physical storage infrastructure while maintaining complete job history. The cloud provider manages the copying and retrieval operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-function peripherals are updated to enable greater print job control, then user control capabilities are improved, but field upgrade costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The web print server serves as an intermediary layer between the existing MFP hardware and the cloud storage system. It provides the necessary print job control capabilities through web-based interfaces that can be accessed by users without modifying the MFP itself. This mediator approach enables enhanced functionality while avoiding costly field upgrades to the peripheral hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The web print server provides universal access to print job control capabilities through standard web browsers. Instead of requiring specialized software or hardware modifications in the MFP, any user with a web-capable device can access and control print jobs. This multi-functional web interface eliminates the need for expensive field upgrades while providing comprehensive print job management.
4Ease of operation
If client computers are updated to store print jobs differently, then user control and job management are improved, but system complexity and update costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The web print server acts as a mediator that handles all print job management operations between the client computers and the cloud storage system. Clients simply need to access the web interface through their browsers to manage print jobs, eliminating the need for complex local software updates or modifications. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of job management, storage, and retrieval operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and system for printing a print job with cloud storage are disclosed. A web print server is provided for accessing a cloud storage server. The web print server is operable to download a print job from the cloud storage server to the web print server. The web print server downloads the print job based on an identification (of the print job) that is received from a web client remotely over a network. Subsequently, the print web server sends the print job to a printer for the print job to be printed from the printer. In one embodiment, the printer may comprise the web client.