Unified Print Plug-in for Cloud and Local Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collaboration tools require users to add separate print plug-in services for each printing method and switch between them, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A novel mechanism that provides a unified print plug-in service for multiple printing methods, allowing users to perform printing through chatting with the cloud print service or by selecting files from a list, using a single service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate print plug-in services are added for each printing method, then printing functionality is provided, but the number of plug-in services increases and user operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal print plug-in service that can handle multiple printing methods (cloud printing, local printing, network printing) through a single integrated service. The service detects the user's intended printing method and automatically switches between different printing workflows, eliminating the need for users to manually add and switch between multiple printing-specific plug-ins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between multiple print plug-in services, then different printing methods can be used, but user operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automatic detection and switching mechanism as an intermediary between the user and multiple printing methods. When a user initiates a print request, the system automatically detects the appropriate printing method based on the target device and printing requirements, then seamlessly switches to the corresponding printing workflow without requiring user intervention or manual service switching.
3Device complexity
If a unified print plug-in service is provided, then the number of plug-ins is reduced, but supporting multiple printing methods becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified print plug-in service into modular functional components, each handling a specific printing method (cloud printing module, local printing module, network printing module). These modules are independently developed and maintained but can be dynamically loaded and switched based on the detected printing requirements, allowing the system to support multiple printing methods while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an information processing apparatus, comprising: acquiring information regarding a file that is a print target, from an external storage; transmitting and receiving information regarding printing by communicating with a server that provides a cloud print service; generating, using the information acquired from the external storage and the server, a screen in which it is possible to use a first function for performing printing through chatting with the cloud print service and a second function for selecting a file to be printed from a list of files that are print targets and performing printing, and providing the screen to a client computer; executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made on the client computer via the first function; and executing printing using the cloud print service in accordance with print settings made on the client computer via the second function.