Cross-System Print Service via Virtual Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cross-system printing methods using virtual containers occupy a large quantity of resources, leading to poor user experience due to excessive resource consumption and inefficient communication processes.
Innovation Solution
A printing method that directly invokes a first print service on a virtual operating system to send a print task to a second print service on a host operating system via a virtual channel, reducing the need for operations like port listening and printer list retrieval, and allowing direct communication between the services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cross-system printing method is used, then printing function is achieved, but resource occupation in virtual container is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the print service functionality from the virtual container environment and implements it directly on the host operating system. The host operating system provides print services to applications running in virtual containers through a simplified interface, eliminating the need for complex print service processes within the virtual container itself. This extraction reduces resource occupation in the virtual container while maintaining printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the host operating system acts as a mediator between the virtual container application and the physical printer. Instead of the virtual container directly managing print resources, the host operating system receives print tasks from the virtual container and handles the printing process, thereby reducing resource requirements within the virtual container environment.
2Reliability
If traditional cross-system printing method is used, then printing is enabled, but communication process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex communication and print service management logic from the virtual container and relocates it to the host operating system. The virtual container only needs to send simple print tasks to the host, which then handles all the complex communication, printer selection, and printing operations. This significantly simplifies the communication interface between the virtual container and the printing system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cross-system printing method is used, then cross-system printing is achieved, but user experience is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The host operating system provides self-service print functionality that automatically handles printer selection, print task management, and communication with the physical printer. Applications in virtual containers can invoke printing without manual configuration or complex setup, as the host operating system automatically manages the printing process. This self-service approach improves user experience by eliminating manual intervention requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a printing method and an electronic device, and relates to the field of printing technologies. The electronic device includes a host operating system and a virtual operating system that is deployed in a virtual container in the host operating system. The method includes: In response to a print request operation performed on a target application, the electronic device invokes a first print service to send a print task to a second print service via a virtual channel; and then sends a print instruction to a target printer through the second print service based on the print task, where the target application is an application on the virtual operating system, the first print service is a print service on the virtual operating system, and the second print service is a print service on the host operating system.