Print Queue Utility for OS Printer Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Printers that do not support the OS standard printing function cannot interpret print data generated by the OS standard printing function, and users need more detailed print settings than those provided by the OS standard printing function.

Innovation Solution

A program and an information processing apparatus that utilize a print conversion utility to convert print data from the OS standard format into a format specific to the printer vendor, allowing printers not supporting the OS standard printing function to perform printing, and providing detailed print quality settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the OS standard printing function is used, then ease of operation is improved, but compatibility with printers is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a print queue registration utility as an intermediary component between the OS standard printing function and the printer. This utility automatically manages print queue registration and name coordination, enabling the standard printing function to work with printers that would otherwise be incompatible, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If printer-specific driver is used, then compatibility is improved, but ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The print queue registration utility operates autonomously to manage print queue registration without requiring user intervention. It automatically detects printer connections, registers print queues, and coordinates printer names, thereby providing compatibility enhancement without increasing operational complexity for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If OS standard printing function is used, then ease of operation is improved, but print settings detail is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidprint settings detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically registering print queues and coordinating printer names before printing operations are needed. This preparation enables the OS standard printing function to access detailed printer-specific settings that would otherwise be unavailable, allowing users to obtain detailed print settings without sacrificing ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3859514B1Program and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 CANON KK
  • EP3859514B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3859514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3859514B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A program that, when implemented by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform registering, in a print control software, a print queue in which first identification information is set, determining whether a device in which the first identification information is set is present on a network to which an information processing apparatus is connected, in a case where the print queue in which the first identification information is set is registered in the print control software, and changing identification information of the print queue registered in the print control software from the first identification information to second identification information different from the first identification information, in a case where a device in which the first identification information is set is determined to be present on the network.