Server System for Cloud Print Setting Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
General-purpose cloud print services are limited in setting advanced printer-specific features, such as finisher settings and optional functions, and cannot apply extended print settings to print jobs when using standard services.
Innovation Solution
A server system that acquires and transmits print settings from a different server system to an image forming apparatus, allowing the extension of print settings beyond standard settings, enabling the application of printer-specific settings even when using a general-purpose cloud print service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a general-purpose cloud print service is used to enable every image forming apparatus to perform printing, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to apply extended printer-specific settings is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary server system that acts as a mediator between the general-purpose cloud print service and the image forming apparatus. This intermediary receives print jobs from the general-purpose service, appends extended printer-specific settings, and then transmits the enhanced print data to the target printer, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the print processing function into separate components: a general-purpose cloud print service for standard printing operations, an intermediary server system for adding extended settings, and the image forming apparatus for execution. This segmentation allows each component to specialize, maintaining ease of operation for users while enabling advanced adaptability for printer-specific features
2Adaptability or versatility
If extended print settings are added to enable printer-specific functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server system absorbs the complexity of handling extended printer-specific settings, isolating it from both the general-purpose cloud service and the image forming apparatus. This mediator manages the complex task of appending and transmitting extended settings, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing the complexity visible to users or requiring complex changes to existing systems
3Ease of operation
If a user selects a general-purpose cloud print service, then ease of operation is improved, but extended print settings cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server ensures reliable application of extended settings by automatically appending them to print jobs received from the general-purpose cloud service. This intermediary layer guarantees that extended settings are reliably transmitted to the image forming apparatus without requiring the user to manually configure complex settings, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability of extended feature application
Data Source
AI summary
A server system includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a print setting from a different server system, and a transmission unit configured to transmit, to an image forming apparatus, print data in which a different print setting has been appended to the print setting acquired by the acquisition unit.