OS-Standard Printing Support for Pre-Print Connection Errors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing devices using OS-standard general-purpose printing programs do not notify users of printer connection status before issuing a print command, leading to potential print failures due to unknown connection errors.
Innovation Solution
A support program that confirms the connection status with a printer before printing and generates notification data to alert the user of any connection errors, displayed on the print settings screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an OS-standard general-purpose printing program is used to control printing without a printer driver, then the ease of operation and device compatibility are improved, but the ability to notify users of connection errors before printing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support program performs connection confirmation before the print command is executed. When the general-purpose printing program receives a print command, it first confirms whether the printer is connected and accessible. This preliminary action allows the system to notify users of connection errors before they attempt to print, preventing wasted time and operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support program introduces a feedback mechanism that provides connection status information to the user. When a connection error is detected, the system generates and displays notification data indicating the connection status, giving users real-time feedback about the printer's accessibility. This feedback loop ensures users are informed of connection issues without needing to attempt printing first.
2Device complexity
If connection status is not checked before printing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of printing operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support program acts as an intermediary layer between the general-purpose printing program and the printer. It handles the connection confirmation and notification functions without requiring changes to the core printing system. This intermediary approach maintains the simplicity of the OS-standard printing program while adding reliability through connection checking, as the support program bridges the gap between the simple printing interface and the need for connection verification.
3Reliability
If a printer driver is used to provide connection status information, then the reliability of notification is improved, but the ease of operation and device compatibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support program is designed to work with the OS-standard general-purpose printing program, which itself is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple printer types. By building the connection confirmation functionality into this universal printing program rather than requiring specific printer drivers, the system achieves both reliability through consistent connection checking and adaptability through broad printer compatibility. The support program handles diverse connection scenarios while maintaining a unified interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a support program for an information processing device connectable to a printer. The information processing device includes: a display; a computer; and a memory. The memory stores an operating system in which a general-purpose printing program corresponding to the printer and supported by the support program is embedded. The general-purpose printing program is configured to manage data for displaying a print settings screen on the display. The support program, when executed by the computer, causes the information processing device to perform: when a connection error that a connection between the information processing device and the printer has failed is confirmed: generating; and transferring. The generating generates notification data indicating a notification content for notifying a user of the connection error. The transferring transfers the notification data to display the notification content based on the notification data on the print settings screen.