Print Mediation Server Shortcut Registration for File Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users must perform multiple selection operations to print an image represented by an image file stored in a service providing server, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A printer system and mediation server configuration that allows users to register shortcut information, enabling the printer to display selection screens and automatically print images without requiring users to repeatedly select the image file by using registered shortcut information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users select shortcut information from a selection screen, then the multi-function device can display the folder name selection screen without performing previous selection operations, but users must still perform additional selection operations to select an image file before printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering shortcut information that includes not only folder selection data but also image file selection data and print setting data. When a user selects a shortcut, all these pre-selected parameters are automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for users to perform multiple sequential selection operations (folder selection → image file selection → print settings). This preliminary preparation of complete print job parameters resolves the contradiction by reducing both the number of operations and the time required.
2Reliability
If the system requires multiple selection operations (folder selection, image file selection, print settings), then complete print parameters can be confirmed, but the number of selection screens and operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate selection parameters (folder selection, image file selection, print settings) into a single integrated shortcut information record. Instead of requiring users to navigate through multiple separate selection screens for each parameter, all these parameters are combined into one shortcut entry that can be selected in a single operation. This merging maintains data completeness while significantly reducing the number of screens and operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the complete print job parameters (folder ID, file ID, print settings) and stores it as shortcut information in the database. This copied and stored parameter set can be rapidly retrieved and applied without requiring users to re-navigate through the original multiple selection screens. The copying mechanism preserves all necessary print parameters while eliminating the need to repeat the complex selection process.
Data Source
AI summary
A print mediation server may cause a printer to display M pieces of selection screens for selecting M pieces of items relating to printing, the M pieces of selection screens including a first file selection screen for selecting an image file in a storage server, and obtain M pieces of selection data indicating results which were selected in the M pieces of selection screens. The print mediation server may register first shortcut information including the M pieces of selection data in a case where a shortcut registration request is obtained and the M pieces of selection data are obtained, and supply a first print instruction to the printer by using the M pieces of selection data included in the first shortcut information so as to cause the printer to print a first image represented by a first image file which was selected in the first file selection screen file.