Storage Medium with General-Purpose Printing Extension for Blank-Page Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standard printer drivers do not support the blank sheet saving function, requiring users to manually delete blank pages, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when numerous blank pages are present.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable storage medium stores a program that supports general-purpose printing software, enabling the display of a screen for setting blank sheet saving and controlling the non-printing of pages without image data, by extending the functionality of standard drivers with an extension application to include the blank sheet saving function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard driver is used for printing, then ease of operation is improved, but the blank sheet saving function cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application adds the blank sheet saving function to the standard driver, enabling it to perform both standard printing operations and manufacturer-specific functions through a single integrated software component
2Adaptability or versatility
If an extension application is added to implement manufacturer-specific functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension application is nested within the standard driver architecture, allowing the standard driver to remain the primary component while the extension application provides additional functionality as a subordinate module, reducing overall system complexity
3Device complexity
If users manually delete blank pages before printing, then the blank sheet saving function is avoided, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of blank pages and automatically removes them from the print data before the printing process begins, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and saving time
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-readable storage medium stores a program for supporting general-purpose printing software which is able to be used in common by image forming apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers. When the program is executed, a processor causes an information processing apparatus to display a screen for receiving a setting of blank sheet saving, and perform control such that a page having no image data among data generated by the general-purpose printing software is not printed, based on the setting of blank sheet saving that has been received on the screen.