Printing Function Extensions for Standard Driver Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standard drivers for printing apparatuses lack the ability to provide enhanced functionalities beyond basic printing capabilities, necessitating the need for more innovative extension applications to enhance user experience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An extension application that includes a printing function extension unit capable of editing and adding new functions to the printing function information, such as manual double-sided printing, while integrating with the standard driver to provide additional features not supported by the standard driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard driver is used for printing apparatuses, then compatibility and basic printing functionality are ensured, but enhanced printing functions and user flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application is designed to work with the standard driver in a compatible manner, adding multiple printing functions (manual double-sided printing, stamp function, form feeding) without replacing the standard driver. This allows a single extension application to serve multiple printing needs while maintaining compatibility with existing standard drivers across different printing apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing control functionality is segmented into the standard driver (handling basic printing) and the extension application (handling enhanced functions). This segmentation allows each component to focus on specific functions, with the extension application loading only when needed, thus avoiding the complexity of a completely custom driver while enabling versatile printing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension applications are provided by vendors, then enhanced printing functions are available, but the complexity of the printing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application is loaded in advance before printing begins, and the printing function information is pre-configured with the extended functions (manual double-sided printing, stamp function, form feeding). This preliminary setup allows the printing system to access enhanced functions without adding complexity during the printing process, as the extension is already in place and ready to execute.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension application acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the printing apparatus. It provides a user-friendly interface for selecting and configuring extended printing functions, while handling the complex communication with the printing apparatus through the standard driver. This intermediary approach simplifies the user experience while managing system complexity internally.
3Ease of operation
If manual double-sided printing function is added, then user control and flexibility are enhanced, but the complexity of printing control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual double-sided printing function allows users to manually control the printing process by selecting options such as binding direction and paper feeding. The system provides guidance information and automatically configures printing parameters based on user selections, enabling users to perform complex printing tasks without requiring deep technical knowledge or manual intervention in the printing control mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method of controlling an information processing apparatus (101) configured to execute an extension application (204) associated with printing data generation software (202) operatable in the information processing apparatus to extend a function, the method including: obtaining input data including printing setting (S1201); displaying a screen related to a specific function on a display unit in a case where it is determined based on the printing setting that the specific function is executed (S1003, S1209); editing the input data, such that the specific function is executed, to convert the input data into printing data (S703-S708, S1005, S1605); and transmitting the printing data to a printing apparatus after the screen is displayed on the display unit in the displaying. (S1212)