Network Printer Discovery Without Driver Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in efficiently utilizing image output devices without installed printer drivers, as they cannot easily find and use available devices, especially in environments like Internet cafés or offices with multiple connected devices, due to the need for driver installation and lack of awareness about available devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that generates compatible format data and searches for network-connected image output devices capable of printing, discloses available options to the user, receives selection and printing conditions, and generates commands for execution, allowing direct printing without driver installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printer drivers are installed on information processing devices to enable printing, then printing functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image output assisting device as an intermediary between the information processing device and image output devices. This assisting device manages printer driver information and provides it to users automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually install drivers. The intermediary handles the complexity of driver management while providing simple printing functionality to end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to automatically obtain and use printer driver information without manual installation. The image output assisting device automatically provides compatible format data and driver information to the information processing device, enabling users to print without needing to install drivers themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image output devices are connected to the network, then printing options increase, but user awareness and selection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image output assisting device provides feedback to users by automatically searching for and presenting available image output devices and their capabilities. The system gives users information about which devices are available, their functions, and compatibility, enabling informed selection without being overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically searching for and evaluating image output devices before the user needs to select one. The assisting device pre-processes device information, determines compatibility, and presents suitable options to the user, saving time and effort in the selection process.
3Ease of operation
If printer drivers are not installed, then ease of use in public environments improves, but printing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The image output assisting device acts as an intermediary that provides printer driver information on-demand without requiring pre-installation. When a user wants to print in a public environment, the assisting device automatically provides the necessary driver information and compatible format data, maintaining printing capability without compromising portability or ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device includes: a data generating section for generating compatible format data of data that is generated on the basis of an application program; a searching section for searching, when the data generating section is instructed to generate the compatible format data, for at least one image output device connected to a network and capable of printing out the compatible format data; a disclosing section for disclosing to the user the at least one image output device, which has been searched; a receiving section for receiving (i) a selection of an image output device to which the compatible format data is transmitted, (ii) input of a condition for printing, and (iii) an instruction for execution; and a command generating section for generating a command for causing the printing to be executed in accordance with a received condition for the printing.