Printer EWS Access via OS-Integrated Print Program
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing procedures for displaying a web page provided by an Embedded Web Server (EWS) in printers are cumbersome for users, requiring manual entry of printer addresses and activation of print applications, even when using an OS-standard general-purpose print program.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with instructions that, when executed, activates a display process to show a web page provided by a printer's EWS, obtaining connection information from the operating system to facilitate settings configuration for the printer without needing explicit printer address input or separate print application activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user wants to display the web page provided by the EWS, then the user can configure printer settings via the web page, but the user must manually enter the printer address which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The general-purpose print program automatically obtains the printer address from the OS and uses it to access the EWS web page without user intervention. The system serves itself by automatically retrieving connection information and initiating the web page display process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection information is obtained in advance from the OS before the user needs to access the EWS. The system prepares the printer address and connection details beforehand, so when the user wants to configure settings, the web page can be displayed immediately without manual address entry.
2Ease of operation
If a print application with browser function is used to display the EWS web page, then the web page can be displayed, but the print application must be activated which adds operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The general-purpose print program is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it both manages printing operations and accesses the EWS web page for configuration. By integrating the web page access capability into the existing print program, the system eliminates the need for separate print applications with browser functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality to access and display the EWS web page is merged into the general-purpose print program. This consolidation combines the printing management function and the web page access function into a single application, reducing the number of separate applications the user must activate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the OS-standard general-purpose print program is used for printing, then no printer driver is needed, but the procedure to display the EWS web page becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The general-purpose print program acts as an intermediary between the OS and the EWS. It retrieves connection information from the OS and uses it to access the EWS web page, bridging the gap between the print management system and the web-based configuration interface without requiring additional applications or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions that are executable by a computer of an information processing device and compatible with a particular printer. The instructions support a general-purpose print program incorporated in advance in an operating system of the information processing device and are configured to, when executed by the computer, cause the information processing device to, in response to receiving a processing request from the general-purpose print program when the operating system has accepted an instruction to activate the instructions with the particular printer selected, obtain connection information from the operating system, and perform, using the connection information, a display process to display a web page provided by a web server embedded in the particular printer. The connection information indicating a connection destination to which the particular printer is connected. The web server is configured to accept settings for the particular printer via the web page.