Printer Driver Installation Program Prevents Function Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Universal printer drivers (UPDs) do not support model-specific functions, leading to potential disabling of functions when dedicated printer drivers (DPDs) are uninstalled, requiring reinstallation if those functions are needed.

Innovation Solution

An installation method and information storage medium that includes a universal printer driver installation program for image forming apparatuses, which determines if a DPD is installed and presents to the user the functions that will be unavailable if the DPD is uninstalled, allowing users to decide whether to uninstall the DPD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated printer driver is uninstalled to install a universal printer driver, then the number of printer drivers to be installed is reduced, but model-specific functions may be disabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different printer modelsVSAvoidavailability of model-specific functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The installation program performs preliminary detection of whether a dedicated printer driver is already installed before attempting to uninstall it. It also preliminarily identifies model-specific functions that would be lost upon uninstallation and presents this information to the user before completing the uninstallation, allowing users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with removing the dedicated driver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a universal printer driver is installed without checking for existing dedicated drivers, then installation is simplified, but functions may become unavailable requiring reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of installation processVSAvoidtime required for potential reinstallation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The installation program provides feedback to the user by detecting the presence of dedicated printer drivers and presenting information about model-specific functions that would be lost upon uninstallation. This feedback mechanism allows users to understand the consequences of uninstallation before proceeding, eliminating the need for time-consuming reinstallation if functions are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If the installation program automatically uninstalls dedicated drivers, then the installation process is automated, but user control over function availability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of driver installationVSAvoiduser control and awareness of function changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The program performs preliminary detection and identification of model-specific functions before automatic uninstallation occurs. By presenting this information to the user in advance, the system maintains user control and awareness while still benefiting from automated installation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11704080B2Installation method and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 SHARP KK

AI summary

An installation method includes installing a universal printer driver for an image forming apparatus in a user terminal for use by a user; determining whether or not there is installed a dedicated printer driver in the user terminal; and upon determining that there is installed a dedicated printer driver in the user terminal, performing a presentation process of presenting to the user a function that will no longer be available for use if the dedicated printer driver is uninstalled.