Printer Job Transmission Adaptation via IPP Queue Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer management systems cannot determine whether an image forming apparatus has a queueing function when using a general-purpose printer driver, leading to issues with job transmission and order changes.

Innovation Solution

A method to control information processing apparatuses with a general-purpose driver, acquiring information on the job management apparatus's queueing function and adjusting job transmission methods accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a general-purpose printer driver is used, then compatibility with different printers is improved, but the ability to determine queueing function and manage job transmission is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidqueueing function information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus acquires information about the image forming apparatus's queueing function through IPP protocol communication, creating a feedback loop that enables the driver to adapt its job transmission behavior based on the actual capabilities of the connected printer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the job transmission parameters dynamically based on the acquired queueing function information, adjusting whether to transmit multiple jobs simultaneously or sequentially depending on the printer's capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple print jobs are transmitted without knowing queueing capability, then productivity is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential job loss or incorrect processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejob transmission efficiencyVSAvoidjob processing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal apparatus performs a preliminary check to acquire queueing function information before transmitting multiple print jobs, ensuring that the transmission strategy is predetermined based on the printer's actual capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the image forming apparatus about its queueing capabilities to adjust the job transmission strategy, ensuring reliable processing while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If queueing function is not detected, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened due to inability to change job execution order

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidjob order management
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system acquires queueing function information through IPP protocol feedback mechanisms, enabling the terminal apparatus to detect whether the image forming apparatus supports job queing without adding significant complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The job transmission and management system becomes dynamic, adapting its behavior based on the detected queueing function, allowing flexible job order management when the printer supports it

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240231726A1Method of controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 CANON KK
  • US20240231726A1 patent drawing
  • US20240231726A1 patent drawing
  • US20240231726A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling an information processing apparatus having a general-purpose driver that operates according to IPP. Information on whether or not a job management apparatus has a queueing function of queueing a plurality of jobs is acquired, and a method of transmitting jobs generated by the general-purpose driver is changed based on the acquired information.