Printer Interface Generation from Description Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies require specific printer drivers to be installed on computers for each printer model and operating system, leading to complexity and limitations in user interfaces, especially for devices with limited resources like smartphones and tablets, which struggle to display a comprehensive set of printer options effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate a user interface from a printer description file, using an interface module, option module, and interface generation module to select a subset of prioritized printer options and generate rendering code, enabling devices to display a standardized and simplified user interface for remote printing without the need for specific printer drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If printer drivers are installed for each printer model and operating system, then printer compatibility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based printing service as an intermediary between the computing device and the printer. Instead of installing printer drivers directly on the client device, the system uses a remote printing service that manages printer communication and options through a standardized interface, eliminating the need for device-specific driver installations while maintaining full printer compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal printing interface that works across multiple operating systems and device types (smartphones, tablets, computers) through a single standardized user interface. This universal interface abstracts away the underlying printer-specific details, allowing one interface to serve multiple printer models and platforms without requiring separate drivers for each combination
2Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive printer options are displayed in the user interface, then user control and customization are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates on devices with limited display resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printer options into two categories: frequently used options that are displayed in the simplified user interface, and less frequently used options that are available through a link to a comprehensive interface. This segmentation allows the mobile device to display only the most relevant options (reducing interface complexity) while still providing access to all printer capabilities when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by displaying only the essential printer options in the simplified interface rather than all available options. The interface includes the most commonly used printing parameters (paper size, orientation, copies) while omitting less frequently used advanced options, thereby improving usability on devices with limited display resources while maintaining functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for generating a user interface from a printer description file are discussed. The system comprising an interface module, an option module, and an interface generation module. The interface module may be configured to receive a printer description file comprising a plurality of printer options for a remote printer and the option module may be configured to select a subset of the plurality of printer options for the remote printer based on a list of prioritized printer options. The interface generation module may be configured to generate rendering code based on the subset of the plurality of printer options for the remote printer, the rendering code to enable a computing device to generate a user interface for the remote printer. The rendering code may be transmitted to a computing device in response to receiving, from the computing device, a print request for the remote printer.