Print Job Attribute Translation for Vendor-Specific Settings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users cannot utilize vendor-specific print settings on standard printing functions until vendor extension attributes are added to the operating system, limiting flexibility in print settings.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus that includes a receiving unit to receive a print job with attributes conforming to different protocols, generating a print command based on these attributes, and printing data accordingly, allowing for flexible print setting changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vendor extension attributes are added to the standard printing function of the OS, then users can use vendor-specific print settings, but the system requires updates to the operating system which reduces flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint settings flexibilityVSAvoidoperating system update requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism that translates vendor extension attributes (first protocol) into standard printing function attributes (second protocol). This mediator layer allows the printing apparatus to understand and process vendor-specific settings without requiring the operating system to be updated with vendor extension attributes, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If vendor extension attributes are defined for each vendor-specific print setting, then the printing apparatus can provide new print settings, but users cannot use those settings until vendor extension attributes are added to the OS

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew print settings availabilityVSAvoidtime until settings become usable

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary translation capability where the printing apparatus pre-processes vendor extension attributes and converts them into standard printing function attributes before the user needs to use the settings. This preliminary action ensures that new print settings are immediately available to users without waiting for OS updates, eliminating the time loss while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard printing functions are used, then communication using standard protocols is enabled, but vendor-specific print settings are not supported

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevendor-specific print setting supportVSAvoidprotocol compatibility requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation by translating vendor extension attributes (first protocol parameters) into standard printing function attributes (second protocol parameters). This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain communication using standard protocols while supporting vendor-specific print settings, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250383823A1Printing apparatus, information processing apparatus, and control methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 CANON KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus receives, from an external apparatus, a print job including a first attribute representing a print setting, generates a print command based on the first attribute, and prints print data designated by the print job, in accordance with the print command. The first attribute includes an attribute name conforming to a first protocol. An attribute name and an attribute value conforming to a second protocol different from the first protocol are included as an attribute value corresponding to the attribute name of the first attribute.