Printer Driver Addition Unit for Dynamic Print Setting Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In print systems using Microsoft Windows, printer drivers face challenges in supporting new media types after their initial generation, leading to concerns that desired print settings may not be executed due to limitations in the print setting definition files.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus is designed with an addition unit to add setting items to the print setting definition file, a generation unit to generate print setting information, and a reflection unit to incorporate additional information, allowing for the execution of desired print setting processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the configuration module strictly validates print settings against the print setting definition file, then system reliability is improved, but user-defined print settings cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print setting validation process into two distinct parts: (1) validation of settings defined in the print setting definition file, and (2) handling of additional settings not in the definition file. The addition unit creates a separate data structure to store and manage user-defined settings that are not covered by the standard definition file, allowing the system to validate known settings strictly while preserving unknown user settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the addition unit and its associated data structure) that mediates between the configuration module's strict validation requirements and user-defined settings. This intermediary stores additional setting information and enables the system to pass these settings through the validation process without being rejected, thus bridging the gap between reliability and adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the print setting definition file is kept fixed after driver generation, then system stability is improved, but new media types cannot be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the system in advance by providing an addition unit that can extend the print setting definition file with new media types and settings. This preliminary capability allows the system to maintain stability with the original definition file while being ready to accommodate future media types through controlled additions, rather than requiring immediate changes to the fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the print setting definition file dynamic by allowing it to be extended beyond its original fixed structure. The addition unit enables the system to adapt the definition file by adding new media types and settings as needed, transforming the static file into a dynamic structure that can evolve while maintaining its core stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional settings are added to the print setting definition file, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print setting data structure into two distinct parts: the original print setting definition file and an additional data structure for user-defined settings. This segmentation allows the system to add flexibility through the additional settings without complicating the original definition file, maintaining clear separation between standard and custom settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy or extension of the print setting definition structure to store additional settings. Rather than modifying the original definition file directly, the system creates a separate data structure that mirrors the necessary format, allowing additional settings to be added without increasing the complexity of the core definition file.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus obtains a print setting definition file of a printer driver, and an additional function from a printing apparatus. In addition, the apparatus generates print function information in which a setting item, a first additional item, and a second additional item are described. In a case in which one additional function, as the additional function, is obtained, the print function information is generated so that information regarding the one additional function is described in the first additional item, and an attribute indicating non-display is described in the second additional item. In a case in which the first additional function and a second additional function, as the additional function, are obtained, the print function information is generated so that information regarding the first additional function is described in the first additional item, and information regarding the second additional function is described in the second additional item.