Printer Driver Expansion Application for Dynamic Function Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion applications for standard printer drivers do not adequately enhance the functionality of standard drivers to provide additional features beyond what is offered by the standard driver alone.
Innovation Solution
An expansion application that includes a print function expansion unit, a print setting screen expansion unit, and a print data editing unit, which dynamically edits and expands the capabilities of the standard printer driver by adding new functions and settings, such as secure printing and borderless printing options, through interaction with the printing apparatus to enhance user functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard driver is used alone, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility, but additional functions (stamping, borderless printing, secure printing) cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion application is nested within the standard driver architecture, injecting additional functions (stamping, borderless printing, secure printing) into the existing driver framework without replacing the entire driver system. The expansion application intercepts and modifies print jobs at specific points in the driver processing pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is segmented into modular components: the standard driver handles basic printing functions, while the expansion application provides additional specialized functions. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently while working together through defined interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an expansion application is added to provide additional functions, then functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of the printing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion application is designed to work with multiple standard drivers and various printing apparatus types, providing universal functionality for stamping, borderless printing, and secure printing across different printer models and operating systems without requiring separate solutions for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion application acts as an intermediary layer between the standard driver and the printing apparatus, translating high-level printing requests into detailed print job configurations. It mediates between the user's printing needs and the specific capabilities of the connected printer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the expansion application edits spool files to insert stamps, then stamping function is achieved, but the processing time and complexity of print job preparation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion application performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring stamping templates, borderless printing parameters, and secure printing settings before the actual print job is submitted. These pre-configured elements are stored and automatically applied during printing, reducing real-time processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion application creates copies of print jobs with modifications (such as adding stamps or adjusting parameters) rather than permanently altering the original spool files. This copying approach allows for efficient processing while preserving the ability to revert to original settings if needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control method of an information processing apparatus (101) on which an expansion application (204) configured to expand a function of print data generation software (202) configured to generate print data runs, is provided. The control method comprises obtaining attribute data on a printing apparatus, the attribute data being output from the printing apparatus, obtaining data indicating a print function, and adding information related to a specific function based on attribute information included in the obtained attribute data if information indicating the specific function is not included in the obtained data indicating the print function. A setting screen including a setting item of the specific function is displayed based on the added information related to the specific function.