Print Setting Inheritance Across Switchable Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users are burdened with manually setting print settings when switching between different processing channels in an information processing apparatus, as existing techniques for passing print settings from one printer driver to another are not applicable across channels involving or not involving a printer driver.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage medium with instructions that allow the information processing apparatus to switch print control between channels by determining if a channel switch is needed, obtaining the print history from the previous channel, and setting print settings for the new channel based on this history, thereby automating the setting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If print setting values are passed automatically between printer drivers using operating system sharing, then ease of operation is improved, but this technique becomes inapplicable when switching between processing channels (printer driver channel and non-printer driver channel), requiring manual setting and worsening ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal print setting management system that functions across both printer driver channels and non-printer driver channels. By introducing a channel-agnostic print setting storage and retrieval mechanism, the system enables automatic print setting inheritance regardless of which processing channel is being used, making the solution applicable to all channel types while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary print setting management layer that sits between the application and the various processing channels. This intermediary component stores print settings in a universal format and provides automated retrieval for any channel type, acting as a mediator that enables seamless print setting inheritance across channel boundaries without requiring channel-specific implementation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual print setting is required when switching processing channels, then adaptability to different channels is improved, but user burden increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service print setting management system where the information processing apparatus automatically retrieves and applies appropriate print settings when switching between processing channels. The system monitors channel changes and autonomously restores print settings from stored history, eliminating the need for user intervention and reducing operational burden while maintaining full adaptability to different channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by storing print setting history before channel switching occurs. The system proactively saves the current print settings state and prepares for channel transitions by having the settings readily available for automatic restoration, thereby eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration after channel switching and reducing user burden.
3Device complexity
If print settings are not automatically restored when switching channels, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to repeated manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print control system into distinct functional modules: print setting storage, channel change detection, and automatic restoration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing system complexity through modular design while enabling automated print setting restoration that improves productivity by eliminating repeated manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors processing channel status and automatically triggers print setting restoration when a channel change is detected. This closed-loop feedback system maintains appropriate print settings without requiring complex user intervention, thereby improving productivity while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through rule-based automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer readable instructions that are executable by a computer in an information processing apparatus is provided. The computer readable instructions cause the information processing apparatus to conduct a print control being one of a first print control, in which printing of an image is processed through a first channel, and a second print control, in which printing of the image is processed through a second channel; accept a selection for a printer; determine whether the print control is to be switched from the first print control to the second control based on the selection for the printer; obtain history of the first print control conducted in past in the selected printer; and set a print setting value for the second print control to be conducted in the selected printer based on the obtained history.