Printer Driver Compression Settings for Print Quality and Speed Trade-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing general-purpose printer drivers have limited print setting options, which restrict users' ability to optimize print quality versus communication speed.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes acquiring capability information about a forming apparatus and displaying a setting screen for changeable setting values related to print data compression, allowing users to customize print settings based on the apparatus's capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If compression function is used to reduce communication load, then printing start delay is reduced, but print quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting start delayVSAvoidprint quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic compression level adjustment based on real-time communication conditions. The compression function automatically selects appropriate compression levels (e.g., standard compression vs. high compression) depending on network status and printing urgency, allowing the system to adapt between speed and quality requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the compression parameter (compression level) as a variable setting that can be adjusted based on different printing scenarios. By introducing multiple compression levels and allowing users to select or automatically adjust the compression parameter, the system resolves the contradiction between reducing communication time and maintaining print quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If general-purpose printer driver is used to support multiple vendors, then compatibility is improved, but print setting options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter compatibilityVSAvoidprint setting options

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the functionality of general-purpose printer drivers by integrating multiple compression methods and advanced print settings into the universal driver framework. This allows a single driver to provide both basic compatibility across vendors and advanced features like multiple compression levels, effectively making the driver multi-functional without sacrificing either compatibility or operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the general-purpose driver and the printer hardware that provides extended settings. This intermediary component (the compression function module) translates user selections into appropriate driver commands, enabling users to access advanced print settings while maintaining the simplicity of the general-purpose driver interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250156128A1Information processing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 CANON KK

AI summary

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an application program which causes a processing apparatus to perform a method, the processing apparatus having printing software, the method includes acquiring capability information about a forming apparatus to which print data is to be output, and displaying a setting screen on which setting values for setting items included in the capability information are changeable, wherein the setting items include setting items relating to compression of print data to be output to the forming apparatus to which the print data is to be output.