Print Server Intermediate Format for Dynamic Setting Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pull print systems face difficulties in changing print settings for print data temporarily stored in a server, as they require editing PDL data to match new settings, leading to quality degradation and labor-intensive processes due to proprietary PDL specifications, and limit the use of specific printer functions.
Innovation Solution
A printing system comprising a virtual printer driver, a print server, and a printing apparatus that generates and updates print jobs in an intermediate format, allowing users to change print settings directly from the printing apparatus, enabling the server to transmit print jobs in a format compatible with the selected printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PDL data is edited to match new print settings, then print settings can be changed, but print quality degrades and labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate format (EMFSPOOL) as a mediator between the application and the printing apparatus. This intermediate format allows print settings to be changed without directly editing the original PDL data, thereby maintaining print quality while enabling setting changes. The intermediate format acts as a buffer that can be modified without affecting the source document quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the print data processing into distinct stages: original PDL data storage, intermediate format conversion, and final PDL generation. By separating these stages, the system can modify print settings at the intermediate format level without requiring re-editing of the original PDL data, thus preserving quality while enabling flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PDL data is edited to match new print settings, then print settings can be changed, but the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of PDL data to an intermediate format (EMFSPOOL) at the time of print job submission. This preliminary action stores the print data in a modifiable format, so that when print settings need to be changed later, the system can directly modify the intermediate format without time-consuming PDL editing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate format serves as a mediator that simplifies subsequent print setting changes. Instead of laboriously editing complex PDL code, the system can efficiently modify the intermediate format representation, significantly reducing the time and effort required for setting changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If general-purpose printer driver UI functions are used, then the system is adaptable to different printers, but specific printer functions cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic UI that adapts based on the selected printing apparatus. When a specific printer is chosen, the system dynamically loads and displays printer-specific functions and settings that are relevant to that device. This allows the interface to be both generally compatible and specifically functional, depending on the user's selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing different UI functionalities for different printing apparatuses. While the overall system maintains general compatibility, the local UI elements are customized to match the specific capabilities and functions of the selected printer, enabling full utilization of printer-specific features when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A print server comprises: storage unit configured to store the print job of the intermediate format received from an information processing apparatus; setting change receiving unit configured to receive, from a printing apparatus, a print setting information change instruction for the print job of the intermediate format stored in the storage unit; update unit configured to update print setting information of the print job in accordance with the print setting information change instruction; print request receiving unit configured to receive a print request from the printing apparatus; and job transmission unit configured to generate a print job of a format printable by the printing apparatus based on the print job of the intermediate format and the print setting information updated in accordance with the print request, and to transmit the generated print job to the printing apparatus.