Print Setting UI Segmentation for Undetermined Printer Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a wide area network (WAN) environment, users face difficulties in setting appropriate print settings due to undetermined printers, especially when printers are blocked by firewalls, making it challenging to utilize the full functions of output printers.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that displays a common setting screen and an individual setting screen on a print setting screen, allowing users to set print settings independently of the printer model, with the common setting UI handled by the PC and the individual setting UI handled by the printer, enabling appropriate print settings even when the printer is undetermined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a basic setting UI is selected for a virtual printer driver when printers from other companies are included, then compatibility with multiple printer models is improved, but the ability to fully utilize the functions of the actual output printer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The setting UI is divided into two parts: a common setting UI that can be displayed when the printer is undetermined (providing basic compatibility), and a printer-specific setting UI that displays when the printer is determined (providing full functionality). This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriate settings based on the determination state without compromising either compatibility or full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between displaying the common setting UI and the printer-specific setting UI based on whether the printer has been determined. When the printer is undetermined, the common setting UI is displayed; when determined, the printer-specific UI is displayed. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate level of detail at the appropriate time.
2Ease of operation
If the printer is undetermined in a WAN environment due to firewall blocking, then basic print setting operations can be provided, but appropriate print settings for the specific printer cannot be configured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the printer by attempting to acquire printer information through the network before displaying the setting UI. If the printer can be determined preliminarily, the system proceeds to display the appropriate printer-specific setting UI, ensuring reliable and appropriate print settings from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary mechanism to attempt printer determination through the firewall by acquiring printer information via network communication. This intermediary step allows the system to bridge the gap between firewall restrictions and the need for printer-specific settings, resolving the contradiction by finding a path through the network barrier when possible.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a printer-specific setting UI is displayed when the printer model is known, then full printer functions can be utilized, but the system complexity increases due to needing to handle multiple printer models
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal framework that can handle both common settings (applicable to all printers) and printer-specific settings (applicable to individual models). The common setting UI serves as a universal interface that works with any printer, while the printer-specific setting UI provides model-specific functionality when needed. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to support multiple printer models without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A common setting screen through which a common setting that does not depend on an image processing apparatus model can be set, and an individual setting screen through which an individual setting that depends on an image processing apparatus model can be set, are controlled so as to be displayed on a print setting screen.