Standard Print Driver Format Selection for Cloud Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not allow users to set print data formats to vector format when using cloud print services, limiting flexibility in print data format selection.

Innovation Solution

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an application program that supports a standard driver, enabling a computer to display a setting reception screen for receiving print data format settings and generating print data accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cloud printer driver is used for printing via cloud print service, then printing functionality is provided, but print data format cannot be set to vector format

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint data format selectionVSAvoiddriver system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The standard driver is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate both vector format print data and raster format print data, and can work with both cloud print services and local printing. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing format selection capability without requiring separate specialized drivers for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying the cloud printer driver to add vector format capability, the invention inverts the approach by using the standard driver (which originally didn't support cloud printing) and enabling it to generate vector format print data that is then transmitted through the cloud print service. This resolves the contradiction by achieving vector format support through the standard driver rather than through the cloud printer driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If print data format is set to raster format only, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but flexibility in format selection is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat selection flexibilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts between vector and raster formats based on user selection and printer capabilities. The standard driver can switch between generating vector format print data (when selected and supported) and raster format print data (when selected or when vector is not supported), providing flexibility while maintaining compatibility through this dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of print data format from a fixed raster-only mode to a variable mode where the format can be changed between vector and raster based on user selection. This parameter change enables format selection flexibility while the system maintains reliability by validating that the selected format is appropriate for the target printer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If standard driver is modified to support cloud print service, then format setting capability is added, but driver functionality becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat setting capabilityVSAvoiddriver functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the printing system into distinct components: the standard driver handles format selection and print data generation, while the cloud print service handles transmission. This segmentation allows the standard driver to gain format setting capability through the application program without becoming more complex, as the cloud print service functionality remains separate and unchanged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The application program acts as an intermediary between the standard driver and the cloud print service. It receives user format selections, passes them to the standard driver for print data generation, and ensures compatibility with cloud print service requirements. This intermediary role adds format setting capability while keeping the standard driver itself relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260079654A1Storage medium storing application program, information processing apparatus, and control method

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an application program supporting a standard driver that is provided from a provider of an operating system and is incorporated in the operating system in advance. The application program causes a computer to display a setting reception screen for receiving a setting of a format of the print data, and cause the standard driver to generate the print data, with the setting of the format, which has been received on the setting reception screen.