Cloud Print Support Program Bypasses Intermediate Data Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the 'cloud print system,' redundant file format conversions occur when printing PDF data, leading to potential image quality degradation, as the process involves converting PDF data to intermediate data and then to print data, even though the printer can handle PDF data directly.

Innovation Solution

A support program is implemented that allows for pass-through registration of specific file formats like PDF, preventing the generation of intermediate data when printing to a virtual printer, thereby transmitting PDF data directly to the printer, reducing unnecessary processing and maintaining image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PDF data is submitted to the cloud server through the general-purpose print program, then printing can be performed, but redundant file format conversion occurs and image quality degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support program acts as an intermediary between the general-purpose print program and the cloud server. It detects when PDF data is being processed and intercepts the conversion process, allowing the original PDF data to pass through directly to the cloud server without being converted to intermediate format and then back to print data, thus preventing quality degradation while maintaining printing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support program extracts the PDF data handling path from the standard conversion workflow. By identifying when PDF data is input and separating this specific case from the general conversion process, it enables direct transmission of PDF data to the cloud server, eliminating the redundant conversion steps that would otherwise occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If file format conversion is performed from PDF to intermediate data and then to print data, then compatibility is ensured, but processing time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat compatibilityVSAvoidprinting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support program dynamically adjusts the data processing path based on the input format. When PDF data is detected, it creates a specialized handling path that skips intermediate conversion steps. For other formats, the standard conversion workflow remains active. This dynamic adaptation maintains compatibility across different formats while optimizing efficiency for PDF data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing complete file format conversion for all cases, the support program applies partial action by only converting when necessary. For PDF data, it allows direct transmission without full conversion, while maintaining the ability to convert other formats as needed. This selective approach improves efficiency without sacrificing necessary compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the general-purpose print program processes all data through standard conversion, then universal compatibility is achieved, but unnecessary processing occurs for PDF data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support program performs preliminary detection of the input data format before the standard conversion process begins. By identifying PDF data in advance, it can pre-arrange for direct transmission to the cloud server, skipping the time-consuming conversion steps while maintaining compatibility through the support program's format detection and handling capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250013405A1Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing computer-executable instructions which causes information processing device to support printing by printing device connected thereto

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A support program of an information processing device registers a particular file format that does not generate intermediate data in a general-purpose print program incorporated in an OS of the information processing device. In a case where a process is required from the general-purpose print program in response to a print instruction which instructs the general-use print program to cause the virtual printing device to print an image and is output by an application program of the information processing device, the support program generates print data based on the intermediate data and transmits a print job including the print data to the virtual printing device when the intermediate data is passed from the general-purpose print program. When image data in the particular file format is passed from the general-purpose print program, the support program transmits a print job including the image data to the virtual printing device.