Print Through Server for Unsupported File Format Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical printers support only a limited number of image or document formats, making them incompatible with many commonly used formats from portable memory storage devices or networking devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes local printer applications for rendering specific file types, a print through server for transmitting print jobs to an external processor, and a system manager that directs files to appropriate local applications or the print through server based on file type matching, using a configuration database for managing applications and processing print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printer supports only native file formats, then the device complexity is reduced and processing speed is improved, but the adaptability to different file formats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print driver as an intermediary component between the printer and various file formats. The print driver acts as a mediator that translates unsupported file formats into formats the printer can process, thereby extending format compatibility without requiring the printer itself to be complex. This resolves the contradiction by adding adaptability through an external intermediary rather than increasing internal system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal print driver architecture that can handle multiple file formats through a common interface. The system manager component provides multi-functional capabilities by routing different file types to appropriate print drivers, allowing the printer to serve multiple format requirements through a unified system that maintains relatively simple core architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple print drivers are added to support various file formats, then the adaptability to different formats is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print driver functionality into separate, independent modules, each handling specific file formats. The system manager acts as a coordinator that divides incoming print jobs by file type and routes them to the appropriate segmented print driver module. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple formats while keeping each individual component simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manager serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple print drivers by providing a unified interface and intelligent routing mechanism. Rather than requiring the user to directly interact with multiple complex drivers, the system manager mediates between the user and the segmented driver modules, simplifying the overall system interaction while maintaining multi-format support.
3Ease of operation
If a system manager is implemented to route files to appropriate applications, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manager implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting file formats and routing print jobs to the appropriate print drivers without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously manages the complexity of format detection and driver selection, providing ease of operation while encapsulating the control logic complexity within the system manager itself rather than exposing it to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for printing comprising a plurality of local printer applications operating on a processor, each configured to render a single associated file type for printing. A print through server application operating on the processor and configured to transmit a print job to an external processor for rendering. A system manager operating on the processor and configured to transmit a file to one of the plurality of local printer applications if the file has a file type that is identical to the file type associated with one of the local printer applications, and to transmit the file to the print through server application if the file type of the file does not match any of the file types for the local printer applications.