Mobile Printing Plug-in Activation for Non-Standard Printer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile terminal devices are limited in printing capabilities as they can only use standard printing techniques supported by the OS, which may not be compatible with all printers, leading to inability to print with printers that do not support the standard print format.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that allows separate use of the printing system included in the OS and a print plug-in, enabling the apparatus to conform to user intentions by activating a function to download a plug-in that supports the printer if it does not conform to the standard printing method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only standard printing techniques supported by the OS are used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different printers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The printing system is segmented into two independent parts: the standard printing system included in the OS and the print plug-in. The standard system provides basic printing functionality using standard protocols (Bonjour, PWG-Raster, IPP), while the print plug-in provides additional printer-specific functionality. This segmentation allows the device to maintain simplicity while gaining extended compatibility through the optional plug-in component.
2Ease of operation
If standard printing techniques are used, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to print with non-standard printers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The print plug-in acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal device and non-standard printers. When the standard printing system cannot communicate with a printer, the system automatically downloads and installs the appropriate print plug-in, which then mediates the communication between the device and the printer, enabling printing functionality that extends beyond standard protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If print plug-in is automatically downloaded, then adaptability to printers is improved, but loss of time for download and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining a repository of print plug-ins and automatically downloading the required plug-in before printing operations are needed. This ensures that when a non-standard printer is detected, the necessary plug-in is already available, minimizing delays during actual printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal device executes an OS including a printing system that supports a first search protocol and a printing function using a first printing method as a standard. If instructions for the use of the printing system included in the OS are provided by the user, the mobile terminal device receives a message conforming to the first search protocol from a printer that has been newly detected via the first search protocol. In a case where the detected printer has been selected, if the printer is determined not to conform to the first printing method based on the contents of the received message, the mobile terminal device activates a function for downloading a plug-in that supports the printer.