Printer Driver Extension Architecture for IPP Vendor Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer drivers struggle to support printers from multiple vendors due to differences in communication methods, page description languages, and print setting interpretations, making it difficult to unify print drivers and utilize vendor-specific functions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a printer driver that communicates using a predetermined print protocol and an extension application operating in a sandboxed environment, allowing for the generation and transmission of print jobs that incorporate vendor-specific settings and capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a universal printer driver conforming to IPP is used to print with multiple vendors' printers, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but vendor-specific functions and extended capabilities cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the printer driver functionality into two distinct components: a common printer driver conforming to IPP standards for basic printing operations, and separate extension applications for each vendor that provide access to vendor-specific functions. This segmentation allows users to maintain a universal driver while still accessing specialized capabilities when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (the extension application interface) that bridges the common IPP-based printer driver and vendor-specific printer functions. This intermediary allows the universal driver to communicate with printers while enabling optional access to proprietary features through standardized extension points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vendor-specific printer driver is used to access extended capabilities, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but compatibility with multiple vendors and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal printer driver framework that can handle multiple vendors' printers through standard IPP protocols. This universal driver provides baseline functionality for all printers while maintaining the capability to extend with vendor-specific applications, eliminating the need for separate proprietary drivers for each printer type.
3Reliability
If security is enhanced by using a standardized print protocol, then system security is improved, but the ability to support diverse printer functions and interpretations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds an additional dimension to the printing architecture by layering vendor-specific extension applications above the standardized IPP protocol foundation. This dimensional addition allows secure standard-compliant communication at the base layer while enabling diverse vendor functions at the extension layer without compromising security.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer driver communicates with a printer using a predetermined print protocol to obtain first attribute information related to printing from the printer. The print driver generates a print job conforming to the predetermined print protocol based on data received from an application and transmits the generated print job to the extension application (S606). The extension application obtains attribute information in a different form from the first attribute information (S611). The extension application displays a user interface (UI) for print settings based on at least the second attribute information (S613). The extension application generates a print job to be transmitted to the printer based on settings made via the UI and the print job received from the printer driver.