Data Processing Apparatus for Automatic Printer Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users in a network printing environment must manually select a printer each time for printing operations, as only one printer can be set as the default, leading to inefficiency in choosing the best-suited device for specific printing functions.
Innovation Solution
A data-processing apparatus and method that allows users to specify the type of data or function required, reads corresponding device identification information, and communicates with the identified device to execute the desired process, enabling automatic selection and use of suitable devices for printing, scanning, and other functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only one printer is set as the default printer, then the system maintains simplicity in device management, but the user has to manually select a printer each time for printing operations that is best-suited for the printing function
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically selecting the appropriate printer based on the print job characteristics before the user needs to make a selection. The printer selection is pre-determined by matching print job requirements with printer capabilities, eliminating the need for manual selection at the time of printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically determining which printer is most suitable for a given print job without requiring user intervention. The apparatus autonomously matches print job characteristics with printer capabilities and selects the appropriate device, making the system self-sufficient in the selection process.
2Extent of automation
If the system stores device identification information in correspondence with specified type of data or function, then automatic device selection is enabled, but the storage unit must maintain additional data structures
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is segmented into distinct components: device identification information and corresponding function/type data. This segmentation allows the system to organize printer capabilities and job requirements separately, making the data structure manageable and the matching process efficient without creating unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data-processing method for being executed by a data-processing apparatus having a storage unit, includes: specifying a type of data or a function that corresponds to a process desired to be executed; reading, from the storage unit, device identification information that is stored in the storage unit in correspondence with the specified type of data or the specified function; and communicating with a device that is identified by the device identification information so as to cause the device to execute the desired process.