Printer Driver Function Expansion Through Device-Type Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device drivers lack the ability to dynamically expand functions based on the specific capabilities of connected printing devices, limiting the flexibility and functionality of print operations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced that includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program to acquire device function information, determine the device type, and edit the function information accordingly, allowing for dynamic expansion of driver functions based on the device type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard driver is used that can be commonly used by printing apparatuses from multiple vendors, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to specific device capabilities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is segmented into a standard driver component that provides common functionality and an expansion application component that adds device-specific capabilities. This allows the base driver to maintain broad compatibility while the expansion application tailors functionality to specific printing apparatus capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard driver is designed with universal functionality that can work with printing apparatuses from multiple vendors. The expansion application then enhances this universal base with additional specialized functions, creating a multi-functional driver system that serves both general and specific needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a printer driver specific to a particular model is installed, then adaptability to device capabilities is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The driver system is divided into a universal standard driver and a separate expansion application. The standard driver maintains ease of use through its universal design, while the expansion application provides model-specific adaptability, separating the concerns of general usability and specialized functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion application acts as an intermediary layer between the standard driver and the printing apparatus. It receives commands from the standard driver and translates or enhances them according to the specific device capabilities, maintaining the simplicity of the standard interface while providing specialized functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the driver function is expanded to include additional print functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The driver complexity is segmented by separating the standard driver (with basic functions) from the expansion application (with additional functions). This modular approach allows functionality to be expanded without proportionally increasing the complexity of the core driver, as the expansion application handles the additional complexity separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver system is designed to be dynamic, where the expansion application can be loaded or unloaded based on the printing apparatus type and capabilities. This allows the system to adapt its functionality dynamically, loading only the necessary expansion functions for a given device, thereby managing complexity through selective activation rather than maintaining all functions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire function information of a device created by a driver corresponding to the device; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a type of the device; an editing unit configured to edit the function information acquired by the first acquisition unit; and a control unit configured to control the editing unit such that editing processing for the function information acquired by the first acquisition unit is performed based on the type of the device acquired by the second acquisition unit.