Printer Driver File Format Conversion for Server Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing file transmission technologies require pre-storing processable data formats for each model of image forming apparatus, leading to inefficiencies in format conversion and transmission.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device with a printer driver that determines the file format of selected files and converts non-PDF formats to PDF for transmission, allowing for efficient format standardization and transmission to a server device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the information processing apparatus converts data into a format processable by the image forming apparatus, then the file can be processed by the image forming apparatus, but the information processing apparatus needs to store processable data formats for each model of the image forming apparatus in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (format conversion module) that automatically converts files to formats compatible with the image forming apparatus. This intermediary handles the format adaptation logic, eliminating the need for the information processing apparatus to store and manage format data for each device model, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the image forming apparatus or an intermediate server to automatically detect and convert file formats as needed, without requiring the information processing apparatus to pre-store format information. The conversion process is triggered automatically based on the target device's requirements, making the system self-adapting
2Reliability
If format conversion is performed at the information processing apparatus, then the file can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-converting files to standard formats (such as PDF) at the time of file selection or before storage, rather than converting at transmission time. This preliminary conversion ensures that when the file needs to be transmitted to any image forming apparatus, it is already in a compatible format, reducing both conversion time and ensuring reliable transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the file format parameter to a universal standard (PDF) that is widely compatible with different image forming apparatus models. By standardizing the format parameter in advance, the system achieves both reliable transmission across different devices and reduced conversion time, as the conversion to a standard format is more efficient than ad-hoc conversions
Data Source
AI summary
When a file is selected, a user PC control section of a user PC determines whether or not a format of the file selected is a first file format, and when it is determined that the file format of the file is a first file format, the file is transmitted to a server device, and when it is determined that the file format of the file is a second file format different from the first file format, a printer driver is caused to convert the file in the second file format into the file in the first file format, and the file converted in the first file format is transmitted to the server device.