Print Control Software for OS Upgrade Printer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some printers are not compatible with the OS standard print function and cannot interpret print data generated by it, and even compatible printers often require advanced print settings that exceed the capabilities of the OS standard print function.
Innovation Solution
A control method using print control software that enables a computer to obtain and register printer information from a storage area, allowing the use of a print conversion utility to convert OS standard print data into printer-specific formats, enabling printing on non-compatible printers and providing advanced settings through a printer-specific driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the OS standard print function is used, then printing compatibility with the operating system is improved, but printing capability on non-compatible printers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print queue as an intermediary component between the OS standard print function and the printer. The print queue stores print data and manages the printing process, enabling the OS standard print function to work with printers that would otherwise be incompatible. This mediator allows data to be buffered and processed in a way that bridges the gap between standard and non-standard printer requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by automatically creating and registering print queues before printing operations are needed. The system proactively stores printer information and establishes print queue configurations in advance, so that when printing is required, the infrastructure is already in place. This eliminates the need for manual setup and ensures compatibility is prepared beforehand.
2Adaptability or versatility
If printer-specific software is used, then advanced print settings are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the OS standard print function universal by enabling it to work with both standard and non-standard printers through the print queue mechanism. The same standard print function can serve multiple printer types without requiring separate printer-specific software, thus providing advanced capabilities while maintaining operational simplicity through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically managing print queue creation and registration without requiring user intervention or installation of additional software. The OS standard print function autonomously handles the complexity of printer-specific requirements, freeing users from the burden of managing multiple software solutions while still providing access to advanced print settings.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual print queue registration is required, then printing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting available printers, creating appropriate print queues, and registering them with the OS standard print function. This automated process eliminates manual configuration steps while ensuring accurate registration of printer information, thereby maintaining precision without requiring user time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively establishing print queues and storing printer information before printing operations are initiated. The system anticipates printing needs and prepares the necessary infrastructure in advance, ensuring that when printing is required, everything is already configured and registered accurately, eliminating setup time.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method using print control software operable in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a printer and capable of storing registration information on the printer in a predetermined storage area includes causing a computer of the information processing apparatus to execute obtaining, after an operating system (OS) on the information processing apparatus is updated to a second version capable of using the print control software, with the registration information on the printer stored in the predetermined storage area and being stored during an operation of a first version of the OS on which the print control software is not used, displaying printer information based on the obtained registration information, and registering a print queue with the print control software using the obtained registration information on a basis that the displayed printer information is selected.