Printer Search Deduplication via Plug-in Result Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printer search techniques on networks often result in redundant detection of the same printer by multiple plug-ins, leading to confusing user interfaces and difficulty in selecting the appropriate printer.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires detection results from multiple plug-ins and displays a selection screen where redundantly detected printers are consolidated, allowing users to select a printer as a single candidate, with options to switch between consolidated and detailed views based on priority settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plug-ins are used to search for printers from different vendors, then the compatibility and coverage of printer support is improved, but redundant detection results cause the user interface to become confusing and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges redundant printer detection results from multiple plug-ins by identifying printers with identical connection information (IP address, port, protocol). The system consolidates these duplicates into a single selection candidate, allowing users to select printers without confusion while maintaining support for multiple vendors through multiple plug-ins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plug-ins perform independent printer searches, then the search coverage across different printer protocols is improved, but the detection time and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having multiple plug-ins perform their searches simultaneously or in parallel rather than sequentially. The system coordinates the search processes and consolidates results, reducing total detection time while maintaining comprehensive protocol coverage through multiple specialized plug-ins.
3Loss of information
If all detection results from multiple plug-ins are displayed individually, then the completeness of information is improved, but the device complexity and information processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges detection results by comparing connection information from multiple plug-ins and consolidating identical printers into single entries. This reduces information processing complexity while maintaining completeness through intelligent deduplication that preserves all unique printer discoveries.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus acquires, from a plurality of plug-ins that performs searches for printers, detection results in the searches, and displays, based on the detection results, a selection screen enabling selection of a printer from detected printers. If a printer is determined to have been redundantly detected, the printer is displayed as a single selection candidate on the selection screen.