Print Application Extension for Vendor-Specific Printer Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing common printer drivers cannot execute all functions available in printing apparatuses of different vendors, limiting the capabilities of host computers in controlling diverse printing devices.
Innovation Solution
A storage medium storing a print application that works with a standard driver to obtain and execute functions not executable by common printer drivers, using an expansion application to instruct the operating system to control the printing apparatus to perform these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common printer driver is used to control printing apparatuses of different vendors, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: a common printer driver for basic operations, an expansion application for accessing additional functions, and a print application for coordinated control. This segmentation allows the common driver to maintain ease of operation while the expansion application adds functionality that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion application acts as an intermediary between the common printer driver and the printing apparatus. It receives print data from the driver, accesses additional functions of the printing apparatus that the driver cannot control, and coordinates with the driver to execute these functions, thereby extending functionality without compromising ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common printer driver is used across different vendors, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into segments: the common printer driver handles vendor-neutral basic printing operations, while the expansion application handles vendor-specific advanced functions. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on the common driver while maintaining adaptability across different printing apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The common printer driver is designed with universality to work with printing apparatuses from different vendors through standardized interfaces. The expansion application supplements this universality by providing access to vendor-specific functions, creating a multi-functional system that adapts to various devices without increasing the complexity of the core driver.
3Device complexity
If only common printer driver functions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens due to limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion application serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the simplified common printer driver and the full functionality of the printing apparatus. It accesses additional functions that the driver cannot control and coordinates with the driver to execute these functions, thereby enhancing adaptability without requiring the driver itself to become more complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion application autonomously accesses and executes additional functions of the printing apparatus that are not controllable by the common driver. It independently retrieves function information, determines executable functions, and coordinates with the driver to perform these functions, enabling the system to self-extend its functionality without increasing driver complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage medium storing a print application that can execute a function, among functions executable by a printing apparatus, that cannot be executed by using a common printer driver that can be used in common by printing apparatuses of different venders in printing. A print application that can execute a print instruction, and is used together with a standard driver capable of transmitting print data to printing apparatuses of manufacturers, an expansion application, and an operating system controlling the standard driver, the expansion application, and the print application. The print application includes obtaining function information regarding a printer driver inexecutable function that the standard driver cannot cause a printing apparatus to execute, among functions executable by the printing apparatus, from the expansion application, and instructing the operating system to cause the printing apparatus to execute the printer driver inexecutable function based on the function information by the expansion function.