Pull Print Data Adaptation for Variable Printer Capabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pull print configurations, print data generated assuming various advanced functions may not be optimally utilized by image forming apparatuses with limited functions, leading to unsatisfactory outputs, and there is a need to adapt print data for different destination apparatuses with varying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system and method that includes an information processing apparatus and a server, where the system requests and displays output destination information, generates and transmits print data based on user input and apparatus capabilities, adding selection information to the data, and adjusts print settings images according to the selected or non-selected output destination, ensuring optimal use of the destination apparatus's functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If print data is generated assuming various advanced functions are available, then the print data can utilize full functionality when a capable image forming apparatus is selected, but the print data may not be optimally processed by image forming apparatuses with limited functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by adding output destination information to print data before transmission. This allows the image forming apparatus to pre-prepare appropriate processing based on its capabilities, ensuring reliable output quality while maintaining broad compatibility through advance information provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing output destination information back to the print data generation process. The image forming apparatus's capabilities are fed back into the print data structure, allowing the system to adapt print settings based on the specific apparatus receiving the data, thus ensuring both compatibility and output quality.
2Reliability
If a specific image forming apparatus is specified as the output destination, then print settings can be optimized for that apparatus's functions, but the system loses flexibility to switch to other apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the print data adaptive rather than static. By embedding output destination information that indicates capability requirements rather than fixed destination assignments, the system allows dynamic selection of appropriate image forming apparatuses while maintaining optimized print settings for the chosen device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If print data is generated without specifying an output destination, then the system maintains flexibility to use any image forming apparatus, but the print data may not fully utilize the functions of the selected apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring print data with output destination information that describes required capabilities rather than specific destination assignments. This allows the data to be prepared in advance for optimal processing while maintaining flexibility in destination selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by transforming the output destination information from a fixed identifier to a capability descriptor. This allows print settings to be adjusted based on the actual capabilities of the selected image forming apparatus, ensuring optimal output quality while maintaining destination flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
When a specific image forming apparatus is selected as an output destination, a CPU reads a printer driver corresponding to the selected image forming apparatus from a printer driver group, and loads the driver in a memory unit or the like. On the contrary, if no specific image forming apparatus is selected as the output destination, the CPU reads a general purpose printer driver from the printer driver group, and loads the driver to the memory unit or the like. Further, the CPU displays a print setting image on a display unit 204.