Print Queue Conversion Utility for Unsupported Printer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers that do not support the OS standard print function cannot interpret print data generated by the OS standard print function, and even those that do may lack detailed print settings provided by printer vendor-specific drivers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a print conversion utility that converts print data from standard format to vendor-specific format, allowing printers without OS standard support to function and providing additional features like color matching and hue adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If OS standard print function is used, then ease of operation is improved, but compatibility with printers without OS standard support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print conversion utility as an intermediary component between the OS standard print function and printers that do not support it. This utility converts print data from the standard format into vendor-specific formats, enabling compatibility without requiring changes to the OS standard function or the printer hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific printer driver is used, then compatibility with unsupported printers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print conversion utility is designed as a universal solution that can handle multiple printer types and vendors through a single interface. Instead of requiring separate driver installations for each printer model, the utility provides a unified conversion mechanism that adapts to different vendor-specific formats, reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If OS standard print function is used, then device complexity is reduced, but print functionality features deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into three distinct components: the OS standard print function (keeping it simple and unchanged), the print conversion utility (adding conversion capabilities), and the printer (maintaining its original functionality). This segmentation allows each component to maintain its simplicity while the utility layer provides the additional print functionality features through format conversion.
Data Source
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AI summary
A process of registering a print queue of a printing apparatus (30, 40, 50) in print control software configured to generate print data in predetermined format and a process of registering the print queue of the printing apparatus (30, 40, 50) in operating system (OS) standard print software configured to generate print data in different format from the predetermined format are executed. In a case where the print queue of the printing apparatus (30, 40, 50) is registered in one of the print control software and the OS standard print software but is not registered in the other one of the print control software and the OS standard print software, the process of registering the print queue of the printing apparatus (30, 40, 50) in the other one of the print control software and the OS standard print software is executed.