Printer Status Display via Support Program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image processing devices using OS-standard general-purpose printing programs lack the ability to display printer status information before a print command is issued, potentially leading to issues like paper jams or errors going unnoticed by the user.
Innovation Solution
A support program for an information processing device that acquires printer status information, generates notification data based on this information, and displays it on a print settings screen, allowing users to view printer status before initiating a print command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an OS-standard general-purpose printing program is used instead of a printer driver, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to display printer status information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support program as an intermediary component that bridges the OS-standard general-purpose printing program and the printer. This support program acquires printer status information from the printer and provides it to the printing program, enabling status display without requiring a complex printer driver. The intermediary handles the specialized communication functions while the main printing program remains simple and general-purpose.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a printer driver is used to fully utilize printer functions, then printing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into distinct functional components: a simple OS-standard general-purpose printing program for basic printing operations, and a separate support program for acquiring and managing printer status information. This segmentation allows the main printing program to remain simple while the support program handles specialized functions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and full functionality.
3Ease of operation
If printer status information is not displayed before printing, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of printing process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by acquiring and displaying printer status information before the printing operation commences. The support program checks printer status (such as paper availability, error states, and readiness) and presents this information to the user on the print settings screen. This allows users to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with printing, improving reliability without complicating the operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores a support program for an information processing device connectable to a printer. The information processing device includes: a display; a computer; and a memory. The memory stores an operating system in which a general-purpose printing program corresponding to the printer and supported by the support program is embedded. The general-purpose printing program is configured to manage data for displaying a print settings screen on the display. The support program, when executed by the computer, causes the information processing device to perform: when a request is issued from the general-purpose printing program in response to the printer being selected: acquiring; generating; and transferring. The acquiring acquires status information indicating a status of the printer. The generating generates notification data indicating a notification content to be provided to a user. The transferring transfers the notification data to display the notification content on the print settings screen.