Cloud Print Queue Segmentation for Detailed Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud printing systems lack the capability to perform detailed print settings such as stapleless binding and saddle stitching binding, limiting user customization.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus connected to a server system with a first print queue, which includes a search unit to find available print queues, a generation unit to create a second print queue for managing print jobs, and a download unit to obtain a print setting application, allowing users to customize print settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cloud printing is implemented with basic print queue management, then print job transmission is enabled, but detailed print settings such as stapleless binding and saddle stitching binding are not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint setting capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides print queue management into two levels: a first print queue on the server system for basic job transmission, and a second print queue on the information processing apparatus for detailed settings. This segmentation allows basic cloud printing functionality to remain simple while enabling access to advanced print settings through the local second print queue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A print setting application acts as an intermediary between the user and the printing system. This application downloads to the information processing apparatus and enables detailed print settings (such as stapleless binding and saddle stitching) without requiring changes to the core cloud printing server infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a print setting application is downloaded to enable detailed settings, then user customization is enhanced, but system resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser customization capabilityVSAvoidsoftware resource

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The print setting application is downloaded and installed in advance on the information processing apparatus before actual printing operations requiring detailed settings are performed. This preliminary action ensures that the customization capability is readily available when needed, rather than requiring on-demand resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250028489A1Image forming apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 CANON KK

AI summary

Printer identification information is added when a printer is registered to a cloud service. In a case where a user selects, on a client terminal, a printer registered with the cloud print service, found in searching, a print setting application is automatically downloaded and installed by using the printer identification information registered with the cloud service.