Cloud Print Share Range Management via Printer Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud print services, administrators face difficulties in managing the share settings of logical printers due to the complexity of distinguishing between printer names and actual printers, leading to potential misconfiguration and unintended share settings, especially in environments with numerous printers of similar models.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus is equipped with a function to control and display a setting screen for cloud print services, allowing users to set and change the share range directly through the apparatus, thereby simplifying the process and reducing errors by providing a user-friendly interface for managing share settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If administrators manage share settings through cloud print service interfaces, then share range configuration is possible, but the complexity of distinguishing between printer names and actual printers increases leading to misconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the cloud print service and the user. It receives share setting changes from the cloud service, internally resolves the printer identification using its local printer information, and applies the correct settings. This mediator role eliminates the need for users to directly handle the complex distinction between printer names and actual printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus autonomously manages the mapping between cloud service printer identifiers and its local printer inventory. When receiving a share setting change request, the apparatus automatically matches the requested printer name with its internal printer information to identify the correct target printer, without requiring user intervention in the complex matching process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users directly configure share settings on the cloud print service, then share range can be modified, but the likelihood of misconfiguration and unintended share settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus implements a feedback mechanism where it receives share setting changes from the cloud service, validates them against its local printer information, and confirms the actual applied settings. This feedback loop ensures that the intended share range is correctly interpreted and applied, preventing misconfiguration while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing apparatus pre-stores accurate printer information including printer names, model names, and other identifying characteristics. Before applying share setting changes, it uses this pre-prepared information to accurately identify the target printer, ensuring configuration accuracy before the actual setting change occurs.
3Ease of operation
If cloud print service uses generic printer names, then service simplicity is maintained, but the ability to accurately identify specific printers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The printing apparatus adds another dimension of identification by maintaining local printer information that includes detailed attributes such as printer names, model names, and unique identifiers. When a share setting change is received, it uses this multi-dimensional information to accurately identify the specific target printer, going beyond the generic cloud service printer names.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction peripheral (MFP) has a function of receiving print data from a cloud print service. The MFP displays a screen related to the cloud print service to be displayed, and consequently sets a share range where a printing apparatus is shared on the cloud print service based on a user operation via the setting screen. The MFP then requests the cloud print service to change the share range where the printing apparatus is shared based on the set share range.