Standard-Driver Print Presets for Cross-Manufacturer Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer drivers and standard class drivers in Windows operating systems do not allow for the seamless sharing of print settings presets across different printing apparatuses, limiting user convenience and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores an application program supporting a standard driver capable of generating print data printable by multiple printing apparatuses from different manufacturers. The solution includes a control method that allows users to store and apply collections of set values for print settings items, with different display methods for print settings screens based on the capabilities of the associated printing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard class drivers are used to support multiple printing apparatuses from different manufacturers, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to share and apply customized print settings presets across different devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal settings management system that operates independently of specific printer drivers. The settings manager collects print settings from multiple printing apparatuses and stores them in a centralized database, allowing users to access and apply appropriate settings across different printers through a unified interface, thereby achieving multi-functionality without sacrificing ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a settings manager as an intermediary component between the user and the printing apparatuses. This mediator collects, stores, and manages print settings in a centralized manner, enabling users to share and apply settings across different devices without direct interaction with each printer's specific driver configuration
2Reliability
If model-specific printer drivers are used to provide optimized functionality for each printing apparatus, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing system into three independent components: the standard class driver (for basic compatibility), the extension application (for enhanced functionality), and the settings manager (for centralized configuration). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring and pre-testing print settings for different printing apparatuses within the settings manager. Users can access these pre-configured settings directly without needing to perform complex driver installations or configurations, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If print settings are customized for each printing apparatus, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation worsen due to repeated configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring optimal print settings for different printing apparatuses and storing them in the settings manager. When a user needs to print, the system automatically retrieves the pre-configured settings for the specific printing apparatus, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the settings manager to automatically detect the connected printing apparatus, retrieve the appropriate pre-configured settings, and apply them without user intervention. This automated self-service approach maintains print quality precision while significantly reducing the time users would otherwise spend on manual settings configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores an application program which causes an information processing apparatus to perform a control method. The application program supports a standard driver which is able to generate print data printable by a plurality of printing apparatuses supplied from a plurality of manufacturers. The control method includes storing a collection of set values for print settings items, displaying a print settings screen that allows selection of the collection, receiving selection of the collection by the user, and applying the set values for the print settings items included in the selected collection on the print settings screen. The collection is displayed on the print settings screen using different display methods depending on whether the set values for the print settings items included in the collection include any set value that is not implementable by a printing apparatus associated with the print settings screen.