Printing System Automatic Channel Switching for Failed Print Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of information processing apparatuses with driverless printing functions, such as AirPrint, face limitations in print setting options and printing quality, making it difficult to select the appropriate processing channel for image data transfer between the apparatus and printer, which can result in printing failures.
Innovation Solution
A printing system with multiple processing channels that allows the information processing apparatus to attempt image printing through a first channel and, if that fails, automatically switch to a second channel, using either rasterization by the apparatus or the printer, to ensure successful image printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If driverless printing function is used, then ease of operation is improved, but printing quality and print setting options deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates both driverless printing function and specialized print controlling function within the same information processing apparatus, allowing it to perform multiple printing modes. The control unit can selectively switch between automatic driverless printing and specialized print processing based on print job requirements, thereby providing both ease of operation and high printing quality without requiring separate devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized print controlling function is used, then printing quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the specialized print controlling function with the driverless printing function within a single integrated system. The control unit merges multiple printing processing capabilities into one apparatus, allowing it to handle both simple driverless prints and complex specialized prints without requiring separate hardware devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high printing quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing channels are provided, then adaptability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the progress and status of print jobs across multiple processing channels. When a print job is initiated, the control unit detects whether the printer is processing other data, and based on this feedback information, automatically selects the appropriate processing channel or timing, thereby simplifying the management of multiple channels while maintaining high adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If automatic channel switching is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential switching errors
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary detection before switching processing channels to determine whether the printer is currently processing other data. This preliminary action ensures that channel switching only occurs when appropriate and safe, preventing errors that could arise from improper switching, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer readable instructions that are executable by a computer in an information processing apparatus having a communication interface, through which the information processing apparatus is connected with a printer, is provided. The information processing apparatus has a first channel and a second channel configured to cause the printer to print an image based on image data. The computer readable instructions, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to conduct a first printing control to cause the printer to print the image through the first channel, determine whether image printing to print the image by the printer under the first printing control failed, based on a determination that the image printing under the first printing control failed, conduct a second printing control to cause the printer to retry the image printing based on the image data through the second channel.