Supporting Program for Distributed Printing Job Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technique of using OS-standard printing programs for printer control often results in inefficient printing processes, as the execution processes may not be optimized for the specific printer, leading to longer completion times due to the use of unsuitable ports and algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A supporting program that determines whether to execute distributed printing based on specific distribution conditions, such as the number of copies or pages, and divides the print job between multiple printers using different ports to optimize the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OS-standard printing program is used without printer driver, then ease of operation is improved, but printing speed deteriorates due to unoptimized processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process by introducing a supporting program that operates between the OS-standard printing program and the printer. This supporting program divides print jobs into multiple parts and distributes them to different printers, enabling parallel processing while maintaining ease of operation through automatic distribution based on printer capabilities and current workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic printing process optimization by having the supporting program continuously monitor printer states and adjust print job distribution in real-time. The system dynamically selects which printer receives which portion of the print job based on current printer availability, capabilities, and workload, thereby optimizing printing speed without requiring user intervention.
2Productivity
If print job is distributed to multiple printers, then productivity is improved by parallel processing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supporting program as an intermediary between the OS-standard printing program and multiple printers. This intermediary automatically manages the complexity of distributed printing by handling print job segmentation, printer selection, and coordination, thereby enabling parallel processing without requiring the user to directly manage the complex distribution logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting program implements self-service by automatically monitoring printer states, determining optimal print job distribution, and coordinating between multiple printers without user intervention. The system autonomously adjusts to changing printer availability and capabilities, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the user.
3Productivity
If printer driver is used instead of OS-standard printing program, then printing speed is improved through optimized processes, but ease of operation deteriorates due to driver installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal supporting program that works with multiple printers and OS-standard printing programs without requiring printer-specific driver installation. This supporting program provides optimized printing processes universally across different printer models while maintaining compatibility with the OS-standard printing interface, thereby improving printing speed without sacrificing ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
When a general-use printing program implemented in an OS of an information processing apparatus receives a print instruction, a supporting program implemented in a PC determines, based on a print parameter or image data indicating at least one image subjected to be printed, whether a distribution condition is satisfied. The distribution condition is a condition to execute distributed printing of the image data using a plurality of printers. When it is determined that the distribution condition is satisfied, the supporting program transmits a part of a total printing amount of a print job to a printer through a first port which is used by a general-use printing program and transmits a remaining part of the total amount of the print job to another printer through a second port.