Image Forming Apparatus Settings for IPP Vendor Options
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) cannot display or change vendor-specific setting items or values, such as 'opening direction' and 'creep correction', on print setting screens due to limitations in the IPP standard.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus registers setting values, including vendor-specific items, with a single identifier, transmitting this identifier to an information processing apparatus, which then displays a print setting screen where vendor-specific settings can be selected and changed, while maintaining compatibility with IPP standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific setting items are included in registered setting sets, then the functionality and flexibility of print settings are improved, but the settings cannot be displayed or changed on IPP-compatible print setting screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the information processing apparatus acts as a mediator between the IPP protocol and vendor-specific settings. The apparatus receives identifier information from the image forming apparatus, translates it into selectable options on the print setting screen, and handles the transmission of setting values back to the image forming apparatus. This intermediary layer enables vendor-specific settings to be accessed and modified through the standard IPP interface without requiring changes to the IPP protocol itself.
2Ease of operation
If the information processing apparatus displays all setting items, then the user can access vendor-specific settings, but the compatibility with IPP standard print services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the setting items into two categories: standard IPP settings and vendor-specific settings. The information processing apparatus handles these segments differently - standard settings are displayed and managed through the normal IPP interface, while vendor-specific settings are displayed only after the user selects a setting set that contains them. This segmentation allows the system to maintain IPP compatibility for standard operations while providing access to vendor-specific functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic display mechanism where the availability and visibility of vendor-specific setting items changes based on user actions. Initially, only standard IPP settings are displayed to maintain compatibility. When the user selects a setting set identifier, the system dynamically updates the print setting screen to display vendor-specific settings that are relevant to the selected set. This dynamic behavior allows the interface to adapt between IPP-standard mode and extended functionality mode.
3Ease of operation
If vendor-specific setting items are made selectable on the print setting screen, then the user flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the setting management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of standard IPP settings and vendor-specific settings into a unified setting set framework. Both types of settings are grouped together under single setting set identifiers that are registered in the image forming apparatus. This merging allows the information processing apparatus to manage all settings through a common interface - the user selects a setting set identifier, and the system automatically retrieves and applies all associated settings (both standard and vendor-specific) in one operation. This approach reduces the operational complexity despite the increased functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a registration unit configured to register setting values of a plurality of setting items including a predetermined setting item and a identifier in association with each other, a transmission unit configured to transmit the identifier to an information processing apparatus, a reception unit configured to receive print data from the information processing apparatus and a control unit configured to execute processing based on the print data, wherein the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen where the identifier can be selected and where the setting value of the predetermined setting item cannot be set, and based on selection of the identifier, the information processing apparatus displays a print setting screen where the setting value of the predetermined setting item can be set, and wherein the transmission unit transmits information indicating a setting value that can be set for the predetermined setting item.