Print Settings Screen Integration for Printer Extension Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of standard class drivers in printers requires users to perform additional operations to access extended functions provided by extension applications, and important printer status information may not be visible at desired times, impairing user convenience.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with an extension application that includes an acquisition unit to gather printer information, a determination unit to define display items on the print setting screen, and a notification unit to inform the operating system of these items, thereby enhancing user interaction and visibility of critical printer status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users explicitly perform operations to display the extension application screen, then extended functions can be accessed, but the number of operations increases and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extension application screen with the OS print setting screen by notifying the OS of screen definition information. This integration allows extended functions to be accessed directly from the familiar print setting interface, eliminating the need for separate operations to display the extension application screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension application acts as an intermediary between the printer and the OS print setting screen. It acquires printer information, determines display items, and notifies the OS, thereby bridging the gap between standard driver limitations and extended functionality without requiring users to leave the print setting screen.
2Loss of information
If the extension application screen is displayed separately, then printer status information can be shown, but the information may not be visible at the desired timing
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application performs preliminary actions by acquiring printer information and determining display items before the user needs to view the status. By notifying the OS of screen definition information in advance, the printer status information is already prepared and integrated into the print setting screen when the user needs it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines printer status information display with the OS print setting screen. Instead of showing status information separately in the extension application screen, the relevant information is integrated directly into the print setting interface, ensuring visibility at the desired timing without requiring users to navigate to a separate screen.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the standard driver is used, then basic printing functionality is available, but extended functions and printer status information are not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application provides multi-functionality by combining the capabilities of a standard driver with extended functions. It not only offers additional printer-specific features but also displays printer status information, thereby serving multiple purposes within a single integrated solution that works through the existing OS print setting screen.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus and configured to extend a function in association with print data generation software available on a plurality of different printers, the program causing the computer to execute processing including acquiring information from a printer among the plurality of printers; determining information to be displayed on a print setting screen of an operating system of the information processing apparatus, based on the information acquired from the printer; and notifying the operating system of the information processing apparatus of screen definition information defining the information to be displayed on the print setting screen.