Server-Based Print Setting Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printing systems, especially with mobile terminals, the lack of a printer driver leads to inconsistencies in print settings, as general-purpose applications cannot fully grasp printer functions, resulting in insufficient print data and unresolved conflicts, which complicates printing processes and user notification.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a printer driver that receives print data, determines inconsistencies, and either instructs the client apparatus or itself to resolve conflicts by changing setting values, ensuring consistent print settings and user notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile terminal uses a general-purpose application to execute printing without a printer driver, then printing can be achieved in environments with limited memory, but the print settings may be insufficient or inconsistent because the application cannot fully grasp printer functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and the printer. The server receives print data from the mobile terminal, supplements insufficient print settings using stored printer driver information, resolves conflicts among setting values, and transmits the corrected print data to the printer. This mediator approach enables mobile terminals to achieve reliable printing without requiring printer drivers to be installed locally.
2Reliability
If the printer driver notifies the user of conflicts and requests changes, then print setting consistency can be maintained, but the printing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated conflict resolution mechanism where the server automatically detects conflicts among print setting values, determines the appropriate resolution based on priority relationships stored in the printer driver information, and corrects the settings without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains print setting consistency while simplifying the printing process and reducing complexity.
3Reliability
If printer drivers are installed in personal computers, then comprehensive print settings and conflict resolution can be achieved, but mobile terminals with limited memory cannot install these drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a server as an intermediary that stores comprehensive printer driver information including all print setting items, setting values, dependence relationships, and conflict resolution rules. When a mobile terminal sends print data, the server retrieves the appropriate printer driver information, supplements missing settings, and resolves conflicts. This approach allows mobile terminals to access complete print setting capabilities without requiring local installation of printer drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the storage and processing of printer driver information from the local device dimension (mobile terminal memory) to a network dimension (server storage). By moving the printer driver information to a remote server accessible via network, the system enables mobile terminals with limited memory to access comprehensive print setting capabilities through cloud-based resources.
4Productivity
If the printer driver forcibly changes setting values to resolve conflicts, then printing can proceed without user intervention, but the user's intended settings may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server notifies the user when conflicts are detected among print setting values and presents multiple resolution options. The system provides feedback about the conflict, explains the possible resolutions based on priority relationships, and waits for user confirmation before automatically changing settings or proceeding with printing. This feedback approach maintains printing efficiency while respecting user control over their settings.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a printer driver, a reception unit, a first and second determination unit, a transmission unit, and a change unit to instruct, via the printer driver, a printer to execute printing. The reception unit receives print data including setting data having setting values for print setting items. The first determination unit determines whether setting values cause an inconsistency. The second determination unit determines whether the client apparatus or the information processing apparatus is to resolve an inconsistency. The transmission unit transmits, in response to determining that the setting values cause an inconsistency and that the client apparatus is to resolve the inconsistency, an instruction for resolving the inconsistency to the client apparatus. The change unit changes, in response to determining that the setting values cause an inconsistency and that the information processing apparatus is to resolve the inconsistency, the setting data to resolve the inconsistency.