Automated Driver Installation for Network Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing driver software in information processing apparatuses are inefficient as they require manual setting of optional device configurations and resource information, leading to errors and increased installation time due to the inability to handle individual settings of optional devices and resources beyond the basic printer configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically obtain and write configuration information for desired printers and resources into driver software, allowing for streamlined installation without manual setting, using an information processing apparatus connected to local and network image recording devices, which includes an operating section, information obtaining section, and installing section to specify, obtain, and install the driver software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setting of option configuration information and resource information is required, then the driver software can be installed, but the installation time increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically obtains option configuration information and resource information from the image recording apparatus itself, eliminating the need for manual user input. The information acquiring section retrieves these parameters directly from the device, allowing the driver software to be configured and installed automatically without user intervention, thus reducing both time and errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of option configuration information and resource information before the driver software installation process. By obtaining all necessary configuration data in advance through the information acquiring section, the system prepares the complete driver software package beforehand, eliminating the need for post-installation manual configuration and reducing installation time
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration of optional devices and resources is required, then the driver software can be installed, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service configuration by automatically retrieving option configuration information and resource information from the image recording apparatus. The information acquiring section handles all configuration data collection without requiring user knowledge of complex settings, making the installation process simple while the system manages the complexity internally
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts option configuration information and resource information as separate, automatically acquired data elements from the image recording apparatus. By taking out these configuration parameters and having them automatically retrieved by the information acquiring section, the system separates the complex configuration task from the user, allowing simple installation operations while maintaining comprehensive device support
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional driver installation methods are used, then basic printer configuration is handled, but individual settings of optional devices and resources cannot be properly configured
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the driver software configuration into multiple distinct components: basic printer configuration, option configuration information, and resource information. The information acquiring section separately retrieves each segment from the image recording apparatus, ensuring that individual settings for optional devices and resources are properly captured and integrated into the complete driver software package
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of all configuration segments including option configuration information and resource information before driver installation. By obtaining complete device-specific configuration data in advance through the information acquiring section, the system ensures that the driver software is fully adapted to the specific image recording apparatus, improving both compatibility and configuration accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is directly connected to a local image recording apparatus and connected to network image recording apparatuses through a network. An image recording apparatus searching section searches the local image recording apparatus and the network image recording apparatuses. An image recording apparatus specifying section specifies a desired image recording apparatus from among the local and network image recording apparatuses searched by the image recording apparatus searching section. An information obtaining section obtains information on the desired image recording apparatus, and writes the information on the desired image recording apparatus into driver software. An installing section installs the driver software into the information processing apparatus, the driver software containing the information for the desired image recording apparatus.