Printing System File Format Conversion via Intent Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing technologies are limited in converting a wide variety of file formats, such as image, HTML, and Office files, into print data, especially when no printing application is installed and the application does not support the printing system, restricting printing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that supports multiple file formats by using a print plug-in to convert files into page description language (PDL) through a simplified process, allowing printing even without a dedicated printing application, by invoking the printing system and utilizing Intent filters to identify supported formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a printing application is used to convert files to print data, then printing functionality is provided, but the system requires installation of specific printing applications and supports limited file formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the printing system universal by enabling it to handle multiple file formats (image, HTML, Office files, etc.) through a standardized conversion mechanism. The printing system can invoke both applications with Intent support and standalone files, making it adaptable to various file types without requiring separate printing applications for each format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conversion mechanism that acts as an intermediary between diverse file formats and the printing system. This converter receives various file formats, converts them to a standard format, and then passes to the printing system, eliminating the need for format-specific printing applications.
2Device complexity
If the printing system is invoked directly without a printing application, then the conversion process is simplified, but the ability to handle diverse file formats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting diverse file formats to a standard format before invoking the printing system. The conversion step is performed in advance, so when the printing system is invoked, it only needs to handle the standardized format, simplifying the printing process while maintaining broad file format support.
3Reliability
If an application supports the printing system, then print processing can be performed, but printing cannot be performed when the application does not support the printing system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary conversion mechanism that bridges the gap between applications without printing system support and the printing system. The converter acts as a mediator that prepares files in a format the printing system can handle, ensuring printing functionality is available regardless of application support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal printing solution that works across different application types. By implementing a standardized conversion process that can handle files from any application (whether or not they support the printing system), the solution ensures broad application compatibility while maintaining reliable printing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes an application that supports two invoking methods including a first invoking method which is invoked by a first file of an extension supported by the application being shared and a second invoking method which is invoked from a printing system of an operating system by a second file targeted for print processing being received, wherein, in a case where the first file is shared according to the first invoking method, the application invokes the printing system using the shared first file, receives the second file converted from the first file according to the second invoking method, and performs print processing based on the second file.