Printer Driver Timestamp Synchronization for MFP Option Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printer driver systems, administrators face increased workload and network traffic due to the need to manually configure device option information for multiple MFPs, which is time-consuming and burdensome, especially when users select device options post-setup, leading to decreased operability and increased network traffic.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a printer driver program that automatically acquires device option information from MFPs when the print setting UI is started, using a one-time cache mode to synchronize timestamps and update device option information, reducing the need for manual configuration and minimizing network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If administrators manually configure device option information for multiple MFPs, then device options can be properly set up, but administrative workload and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal automatically acquires device option information from the MFP itself when the print setting UI is started, eliminating the need for administrators to manually configure each device. The system performs self-configuration by retrieving options directly from the connected MFP, thereby reducing administrative workload while ensuring proper device setup.
Solution Approach 2:
Device option information is acquired in advance when the print setting UI is launched, before actual printing operations begin. This preliminary acquisition ensures that all necessary device options are already configured and available, preventing delays during print job execution and reducing the need for later manual interventions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If device option information is manually configured on the server, then printer drivers remain synchronized, but network traffic increases and operability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device option information directly from the MFP at the terminal side, rather than retrieving it from the server. By taking out the configuration data from its centralized storage location on the server and obtaining it locally from the actual device, the system reduces network traffic while maintaining driver synchronization through local timestamp updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal acts as an intermediary between the MFP and the printer driver system. It acquires device option information from the MFP, stores it locally, and uses this local cache to update the printer driver without requiring constant server communication. This intermediary role reduces network traffic while ensuring drivers remain synchronized with actual device capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device options are configured after MFP setup, then user preferences can be accommodated, but administrative burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
When users need to configure device options after MFP setup, the terminal automatically retrieves the necessary information from the MFP itself rather than requiring administrators to manually input settings. This self-service approach allows users to accommodate their preferences while the system handles the complexity of information acquisition and configuration automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer driver is installed on a client PC. The printer driver acquires a first time stamp from a server, and determines whether the first time stamp and a second time stamp stored in the client PC are identical. When the first time stamp and the second time stamp are different, the printer driver acquires device option information of a MFP. When the first time stamp and the second time stamp are different, the printer driver updates content of the second time stamp to content of the first time stamp.