Extension Application Translation Layer for Unsupported Print Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extension applications for printing systems struggle to effectively extend functions beyond what is supported by standard print data generation software, limiting the ability to implement advanced printing features.
Innovation Solution
A control method and information processing apparatus that allows an extension application to add unsupported functions by designating supported functions and generating print data that implements the unsupported functions based on the designated supported functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an extension application is used to add functions not supported by standard print data generation software, then the functionality of the printing system is enhanced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation layer that acts as an intermediary between the extension application and the standard print data generation software. This translation layer converts requests for unsupported functions into equivalent supported functions, allowing the extension application to add functionality without directly increasing the complexity of the core printing system. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of new functions while presenting a simplified interface to the standard software.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension applications are developed to provide advanced printing functions, then the versatility of the printing system is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring supported functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the translation layer monitors and reports the status of function support to the extension application. When an extension application requests a function, the translation layer detects whether the function is supported by the standard software and provides feedback accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to function availability and simplifies the detection process for extension applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the print data generation software is extended with new functions, then the capability of the printing system is enhanced, but the reliability of the standard software decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into distinct components: the standard print data generation software, the translation layer, and the extension application. This segmentation isolates the reliability of the standard software from the experimentation and complexity of new functions. The standard software maintains its stable, reliable core functionality while the translation layer and extension application handle the variability of new features, preventing reliability issues from propagating to the standard software.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method of an information processing apparatus on which an extension application for extending a function unsupported by print data generation software configured to generate print data is operable, includes adding information regarding a first function being a function unsupported by the print data generation software, designating information regarding a second function being a function supported by the print data generation software in a case where the first function is designated, and generating print data for implementing the first function based on the designated information regarding the second function.