Map-Based Printer Selection via Position Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing systems face difficulties in distinguishing between similar printer models, determining the optimal printer position for printing, and managing printer settings, leading to complex operations and incorrect printer selections, especially when printing near others.
Innovation Solution
An output requesting apparatus connected via a network to a position-management server, which manages user and apparatus positions, displays a map image with user and printer icons, allowing users to select printers intuitively and transmit printing commands with notification information, while a printer management server handles driver selection and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drag-and-drop operation is used for printer selection, then printing operation becomes intuitive, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between similar printer models and determine optimal printer position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a map image display that adds spatial dimensionality to printer selection. Instead of relying solely on printer icons in a list view, the system displays printers as symbols on a map image showing their actual physical positions in the office. This dimensional transformation allows users to intuitively understand printer locations and select optimal printers based on proximity to the user or notification recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a position management server as an intermediary between the user and printer selection. This server manages and provides position information about users and printers, enabling the system to display spatial relationships on the map image. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing accurate position data that enhances printer distinguishability while maintaining intuitive drag-and-drop operation.
2Device complexity
If user relies on memory for printer installation location, then no additional system is needed, but user cannot grasp positions of PCs and printers or determine optimal printer selection
Solution Approach 1:
The position management server acts as an intermediary that collects, manages, and provides spatial position information about users and printers. This intermediary component enables the system to display accurate position information on map images without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the server integrates seamlessly with existing network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The position management server provides multiple functions: it manages position information for both users and printers, supports map image generation, and enables various printing scenarios including proximate printing and notification recipient selection. This multi-functionality justifies the added system component by providing comprehensive spatial awareness across multiple use cases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new printer driver setting is required for unused printers, then printer selection flexibility increases, but setting work becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically selecting and configuring appropriate printer drivers based on the selected printer model before the user initiates printing. When a user drags and drops a file onto a printer symbol on the map image, the system proactively handles driver selection and configuration, eliminating the need for users to manually set up drivers for printers they don't use regularly.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system provides self-service functionality by automatically matching printer drivers to selected printers without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously retrieves the appropriate driver information and configures the printing parameters, allowing users to simply select printers based on their location on the map image without dealing with complex driver settings.
Data Source
AI summary
An output requesting apparatus is connected via a network to an output apparatus and a position-management server. In the output requesting apparatus, a receiving unit receives, from the position-management server, user-position information, apparatus-position information, and a map image. Based on the user-position information and the apparatus-position information, a display control unit arranges a user symbol, an apparatus symbol, and a data symbol in the map image to display the map image. An input unit receives input to select the user symbol, the apparatus symbol, and the data symbol. A transmitting unit transmits, to the output apparatus corresponding to the apparatus symbol, a command to output data corresponding to the data symbol, and information including identification information of a user corresponding to the user symbol.