Automated Printing Workflow via OS Pre-registered Procedures
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing systems, users face a high operation burden when activating application programs to output print jobs, as they need to manually select print targets and input printing instructions, which can be improved by automating these processes.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an application program that utilizes an operating system's automatic function to automatically execute procedures for activating the application program, accepting print target data selection, and outputting print jobs based on registered procedure data, reducing user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the application program is activated manually through the user interface, then the user can control the printing process, but the user's operation burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-registering procedure data in the operating system that contains the complete printing workflow. When the activation condition is met, the OS automatically executes the pre-prepared procedure data, which includes activating the application program, selecting print target data, and outputting the print job. This eliminates the need for users to perform these operations manually at the time of printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the operating system to automatically manage the entire printing process without user intervention. The OS monitors activation conditions, automatically activates the application program when conditions are satisfied, and completes the printing workflow autonomously. This allows the system to serve itself by handling printing tasks independently based on pre-configured rules.
2Productivity
If the OS automatically executes procedures based on registered procedure data, then printing automation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the operating system's automatic function to handle multiple types of procedures beyond just printing. The system can register and automatically execute various kinds of procedure data for different applications and tasks. This multi-functional approach allows the same automated mechanism to serve diverse purposes, amortizing the complexity across multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing procedure data as a mediator between user intentions and system execution. Instead of directly complex automated execution, the system uses structured procedure data that acts as an intermediate layer, defining the workflow in advance. This mediator simplifies the automation process by providing a clear, pre-defined sequence of operations that the OS can follow.
3Loss of time
If manual selection of print target data is required, then user control over printing content is maintained, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the print target data selection within the registered procedure data. The procedure data contains the complete workflow including which data to print, eliminating the need for users to manually select print targets at execution time. This preliminary configuration significantly reduces printing preparation time while maintaining user control through the initial setup phase.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage medium storing an application program executable by a computer of an information processing device, an operating system of the information processing device having an automatic function by which, when procedure data indicating: (i) a series of procedures of a plurality of functions and operations; and (ii) an activation condition, is registered therein, the operating system automatically executes the series of procedures in response to the activation condition being satisfied, wherein, when the application program is activated based on the automatic function, the application program causes the computer to: acquire input information which includes activation information for identifying the activation condition; decide print target data based on the acquired activation information acquired; and automatically output a print job based on the decided print target data, the operating system being configured to transmit the input information to the application program at the time of activating the application program.