Print Control Device Custom Setting Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print control systems cannot fully support specific printer functions that are not available on standard print setting screens, limiting the capabilities of printers that do not support the operating system's print function.
Innovation Solution
A print control device and method that includes an operating system with a display function for a first print setting screen and a print function, a data conversion section to recognize and convert print data, and a custom setting section to display and transmit custom setting values for specific printer functions, allowing the generation and transmission of custom print data in a predetermined format to the printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a print server program is used to register a printer as a virtual printer in the operating system, then the printer can be recognized and print, but the printer's specific functions that cannot be set on the standard print setting screen cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management program as an intermediary between the operating system's print function and the print server program. This management program acts as a mediator that receives print settings from the OS, converts them into appropriate settings for the print server, and transmits them to the printer. This intermediary layer enables both standard OS print settings and custom printer-specific settings to coexist and work together, resolving the contradiction between system integration and specialized functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the print control functionality into distinct components: the operating system's standard print function, the management program that coordinates between systems, and the print server program that handles printer-specific operations. By dividing the system into these separate functional modules, each component can operate independently with its own settings interface, allowing users to access both standard settings and custom settings without conflict.
2Ease of operation
If the print setting is limited to items on the print setting screen displayed by the operating system's print function, then the system remains simple and easy to use, but the printer's specific functions cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the print settings interface by introducing a custom settings screen that operates parallel to the standard OS print setting screen. Instead of replacing or complicating the existing interface, the system provides an additional layer where users can access printer-specific functions. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain simplicity for standard operations while enabling access to advanced capabilities when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a personal computer which is communicatively coupled to a printer, the personal computer including: an OS that has a display function of displaying a standard print setting screen, and a print function; a server section that causes the printer to be recognized by the print function of the OS, acquires standard print data (DPN) output by the print function of the OS, converts the standard print data into custom print data, and transmits the custom print data to the printer; and a custom print setting section that, when a setting for the standard print setting screen is selected, displays a second print setting screen, and that, when a custom setting value of a custom setting item is set, transmits the custom setting value to the printer, in which the server section generates the custom print data based on the custom setting value.